Synodical Government Measure 1969

1969 No. 2

A Measure passed by The National Assembly of the Church of England to provide for the vesting by Canon of the functions, authority, rights and privileges of the Convocations of Canterbury and York in the General Synod of the Church of England, and for the modification by Canon of the functions of the said Convocations when sitting separately for their provinces; to rename and reconstitute the Church Assembly as the General Synod, and to make further provision for the synodical government of the Church of England, and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.

[25th July 1969]

Whereas the Convocations of Canterbury and York, on the 8th day of October 1968, resolved that the functions, authority, rights and privileges of the said Convocations should, by Canons made by them with Her Majesty’s Licence and Assent, vest in the Church Assembly to be renamed and reconstituted as the General Synod of the Church of England.

And Whereas it is expedient to give effect to the said resolution and to bring to an end the present dual exercise of functions by the Church Assembly and the Convocations, and to provide a system of synodical government for the Church of England.

Extent Information

E1 For extent to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands see s. 9(3)-(5).

Commencement Information

I1 Measure wholly in force at Royal Assent.

1 Vesting of functions and authority of Convocations in a General Synod. E

(1) It shall be lawful for the Convocations of Canterbury and York to submit for Her Majesty’s Licence and Assent Canons in the form set out in Schedule 1 to this Measure providing—

(a) for vesting in the General Synod of the Church of England, being the Church Assembly renamed and reconstituted in accordance with this Measure, the functions, authority, rights and privileges of the said Convocations;

(b) for modifying the functions of the said Convocations when sitting separately for their provinces;

and, if Her Majesty is pleased to grant Her Licence and Assent, it shall be lawful for the said Convocations to make, promulge and execute the said Canons, which shall have full force and effect.

(2) The functions so vested shall be exercisable in accordance with the Constitution of the General Synod set out in Schedule 2 to this Measure and shall be exercisable for the Church of England as a whole, instead of being exercisable provincially, but without prejudice to the making of different provision, where appropriate, for the two provinces.

(3) The provisions of sections 1 and 3 of the Submission of the M1 Clergy Act 1533—

(a) requiring the Queen’s Assent and Licence to the making, promulging and executing of Canons by the said Convocations, and

(b) providing that no Canons shall be made or put in execution by the said Convocations which are contrary or repugnant to the Royal prerogative or the customs, laws or statutes of this realm,

shall apply in like manner to the making, promulging and executing of Canons by the General Synod.

(4) The dissolution and calling together of the said Convocations in pursuance of the Royal Writ (or otherwise under the M2 Church of England Convocations Act 1966) shall have the effect, in accordance with the said Constitution, of dissolving and bringing into being the General Synod.

(5) The functions vested in the General Synod by the said Canons—

(a) shall include the power of the said Convocations as declared by the Convocations of the M3 Clergy Measure 1920, to make, promulge and execute Canons for the amendment of the Constitution of the Lower Houses thereof;

(b) shall not include the functions of the said Convocations under the Measures mentioned in section 3 of this Measure, which shall be exercisable in accordance with that section.

Extent Information

E2 For extent to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man see s. 9(3)-(5)

Marginal Citations

M1 1533 c. 19 (21:1)

M2 1966 c. 2 (21:1).

M3 1920 No. 1 (21:1).

2 Renaming and reconstitution of the Church Assembly as the General Synod. E

(1) As from the appointed day, the Church Assembly shall be renamed the General Synod of the Church of England (and may be referred to as “the General Synod”) and shall be reconstituted in accordance with the Constitution of the General Synod set out in Schedule 2 to this Measure.

(2) References in sections 3 and 4 of the M4 Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919 and in other Measures, enactments and instruments to the Church Assembly and to its Constitution and Legislative Committee shall, as from the appointed day, be construed as references or, where the contexts so require, as including references to the General Synod and its Constitution and the Legislative Committee appointed thereunder, respectively, and any definitions of the said expressions and of “the National Assembly of the Church of England” in section 1 of the said Act and in the M5 Interpretation Measure 1925 shall cease to apply or be limited to the said contexts.

Extent Information

E3 For extent to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man see s. 9(3)-(5)

Marginal Citations

M4 1919 c. 76 (21:1).

M5 1925 No. 1 (21:1).

3 Functions under the Prayer Book Measures and the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure. E

(1)—(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

(4) The powers exercisable by the said Convocations with the concurrence of the House of Laity under the Prayer Book (Versions of the M6 Bible) Measure 1965 shall be exercisable by the General Synod.

(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

(6) The powers exercisable by the said Convocations or the Houses thereof under the M7 Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1963 shall continue to be exercisable by them for their respective provinces.

(7) Section 1(2) of this Measure shall apply to the functions exercisable by the General Synod under this section, and accordingly the exercise of those functions shall be subject, in particular, to Article 7 of the Constitution of the General Synod.

(8) This section shall have effect as from the appointed day,

Extent Information

E4 For extent to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man see s. 9(3)-(5)

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 3(1)–(3)(5) repealed by Church of England (Worship and Doctrine) Measure 1974 (No. 3, SIF 21:7), s. 6(4), Sch. 2, with savings for matters done or pending immediately before 1.9.1975

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 “the said Convocations” means the Convocations of Canterbury and York

Marginal Citations

M6 1965 No. 4 (21:7).

M7 1963 No. 1(21:2).

4 Constitution and functions of Diocesan Synods. E

(1) Diocesan synods shall be constituted for all dioceses in accordance with Part IV of the Church Representation Rules contained in Schedule 3 to this Measure and the transitional provisions contained in Schedule 4.

(2) The functions of the diocesan synod shall be—

(a) to consider matters concerning the Church of England and to make provision for such matters in relation to their diocese, and to consider and express their opinion on any other matters of religious or public interest;

(b) to advise the bishop on any matters on which he may consult the synod;

(c) to consider and express their opinion on any matters referred to them by the General Synod, and in particular to approve or disapprove provisions referred to them by the General Synod under Article 8 of the Constitution:

Provided that the functions referred to in paragraph (a) hereof shall not include the issue of any statement purporting to declare the doctrine of the Church on any question.

(3) It shall be the duty of the bishop to consult with the diocesan synod on matters of general concern and importance to the diocese.

(4) Except as may be provided by standing orders or directions of the diocesan synod, the advisory and consultative functions of the synod under subsections (2)(b) and (3) of this section may be discharged on behalf of the synod by the bishops council and standing committee appointed in accordance with rule 28 of the Church Representation Rules contained in Schedule 3 to this Measure, but either the bishop or the body so appointed may require any matter to be referred to the synod.

(5) The diocesan synod shall keep the deanery synods of the diocese informed of the policies and problems of the diocese and of the business which is to come before meetings of the diocesan synod, and may delegate executive functions to deanery synods; and shall keep themselves informed, through the deanery synods, of events and opinion in the parishes, and shall give opportunities for discussing at meetings of the diocesan synod matters raised by deanery synods and parochial church councils.

(6) The General Synod may by Canon or Regulation extend, amend or further define the functions of diocesan synods, and if any question arises as to whether any matter falls within the functions of a diocesan synod as laid down by subsection (2) of this section or any such Canon or Regulation relating to that subsection, it shall be decided by the bishop.

(7) As soon as a diocesan synod has been constituted, the diocesan conference shall be dissolved and all functions exercisable by the diocesan conference shall be transferred to the diocesan synod, and any reference in any Measure or instrument to diocesan conferences shall be construed as references to diocesan synods:

Provided that nothing herein shall prevent the bishop from summoning a conference of persons appearing to him to be representative of the clergy and laity of the diocese, on such occasions and for such purposes as he thinks fit.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2 S. 4(4) restricted by Dioceses Measure 1978 (No. I, SIF 21:3), s. 4(4)

5 Constitution and functions of Deanery Synods. E

(1) Deanery synods shall be constituted for all deaneries in accordance with Part III of the Church Representation Rules contained in Schedule 3 to this Measure and the transitional provisions contained in Schedule 4.

(2) Deanery synods shall, as soon as they are constituted, take the place of ruri-decanal conferences where they exist, and those conferences shall thereupon be dissolved, and any references in any Measure to ruri-decanal conferences shall be construed as references to deanery synods.

(3) The functions of a deanery synod shall be—

(a) to consider matters concerning the Church of England and to make provision for such matters in relation to their deanery, and to consider and express their opinion on any other matters of religious or public interest;

(b) to bring together the views of the parishes of the deanery on common problems, to discuss and formulate common policies on those problems, to foster a sense of community and interdependence among those parishes, and generally to promote in the deanery the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical;

(c) to make known and so far as appropriate put into effect any provision made by the diocesan synod;

(d) to consider the business of the diocesan synod, and particularly any matters referred to that synod by the General Synod, and to sound parochial opinion whenever they are required or consider it appropriate to do so;

(e) to raise such matters as the deanery synod consider appropriate with the diocesan synod:

Provided that the functions referred to in paragraph (a) hereof shall not include the issue of any statement purporting to declare the doctrine of the Church on any question.

(4) If the diocesan synod delegate to deanery synods functions in relation to the parishes of their deaneries, and in particular the determination of parochial shares in quotas allocated to the deaneries, the deanery synod shall exercise those functions.

In this subsection “quota” means an amount to be subscribed to the expenditure authorised by diocesan synods.

(5) The General Synod may by Canon or Regulation extend, amend or further define the functions of deanery synods.

6 Functions of Parochial Church Councils. E

For section 2 of the M8 Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 (which relates to the general functions of a parochial church council), there shall be substituted the following section :—

“2 General functions of council.

(1) It shall be the duty of the incumbent and the parochial church council to consult together on matters of general concern and importance to the parish.

(2) The functions of parochial church councils shall include—

(a) co-operation with the incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical ;

(b) the consideration and discussions of matters concerning the Church of England or any other matters of religious or public interest, but not the declaration of the doctrine of the Church on any question ;

(c) making known and putting into effect any provision made by the diocesan synod or the deanery synod, but without prejudice to the powers of the council on any particular matter ;

(d) giving advice to the diocesan synod and the deanery synod on any matter referred to to the council ;

(e) raising such matters as the council consider appropriate with the diocesan synod or deanery synod.

(3) In the exercise of its functions the parochial church council shall take into consideration any expression of opinion by any parochial church meeting.”.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 The text of s. 6 and Sch. 3 rule 11(2) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M8 1956 No. 3.

7 Church Representation Rules. E

(1) The rules contained in Schedule 3 to this Measure, which may be cited as the Church Representation Rules, shall have effect for the purpose of providing for the constitution and proceedings of diocesan and deanery synods and making further provision for the synodical government of the Church, including the matters hitherto provided for by the Rules for the Representation of the Laity:

Provided that the said rules may at any time be amended by a resolution of the General Synod passed by a majority in each House of not less than two-thirds of those present and voting.

(2) The M9 Statutory Instruments Act 1946 shall apply to any such resolution as if it were a statutory instrument and as if this Measure were an Act providing that it should be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3) The Representation of the M10 Laity Measure 1956 and the Diocesan Conferences Regulation 1958 shall cease to have effect except as may be temporarily provided by Schedule 4 to this Measure.

Marginal Citations

M9 1946 c. 36 (115:2).

M10 1956 No. 2.

8 Transitional Provisions. E

The transitional provisions contained in Schedule 4 to this Measure shall have effect with respect to matters arising on the transfer of functions from the Convocations, the reconstitution of the Church Assembly as the General Synod, the changes affecting diocesan and ruri-decanal conferences, and the coming into operation of the Church Representation Rules, but nothing in the said Schedule shall be taken as prejudicing section 38 of the M11 Interpretation Act 1889 as applied by the M12 Interpretation Measure 1925.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 References in s. 8 to s. 38 of the Interpretation Act 1889 (c. 63) and to the Interpretation Measure 1925 (No. 1, SIF 21:1) to be construed as referring to the corresponding provisions (ss. 16(1), 17(2)(a) and 22(3)) of the Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30, SIF 115:1): Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30, SIF 115:1), s. 25(2)

Marginal Citations

M11 1889 c. 63.

M12 1925 No. 1 (21:1).

9 Short title, interpretation and extent. E

(1) This Measure may be cited as the Synodical Government Measure 1969.

(2) In this Measure “the appointed day” means such day as may be appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, following the completion of the first elections after the passing of this Measure of the Lower Houses of the Convocations and of the House of Laity, and “deanery” means rural deanery.

(3) This Measure shall extend to the Provinces of Canterbury and York, except that it shall only extend to the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands in accordance with the following provisions of this section.

(4) Sections 1, 2 and 3, Schedules 1 and 2, and so much of Schedule 4 as relates to those provisions, shall extend to the Isle of Man and the remainder of the Measure may by Act of Tynwald be extended to the Isle of Man, with such exceptions, adaptations and modifications, if any, as may be specified in such Act.

(5) This Measure may be applied to the Channel Islands or either of them, as defined in the M13 Channel Islands (Church Legislation) Measures 1931 and M14 1957 in accordance with the provisions of those Measures, and any scheme made for the purpose of such application may provide for such modifications of the M15 Channel Islands (Representation) Measure 1931 and of the M16 said Channel Islands (Church Legislation) Measure 1931 as may be necessary or expedient in consequence of the provisions of this Measure.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5 4.11.1970 appointed under s. 9(2)

Marginal Citations

M13 1931 No. 4 (21:1).

M14 1957 No. 1 (21:1).

M15 1931 No. 5 (21:1).

M16 1931 No. 4 (21:1).

SCHEDULES

Section 1.

SCHEDULE 1 E Form of Proposed Canon

Extent Information

E5 For extent to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man see s. 9(3)-(5)

Of the General Synod and the Convocations E

1 E On such day as may be appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York under the M17 Synodical Government Measure 1969, the powers to legislate by Canon and other functions of the Convocation of Canterbury [York], and the authority, rights and privileges of the said Convocation, shall vest in the General Synod of the Church of England, being the Church Assembly renamed and reconstituted by the said Measure.

Marginal Citations

M17 1969 No. 2 (21:1).

2 E Notwithstanding such vesting as aforesaid, the said Convocation may continue to meet separately, within the province or elsewhere at such places and times as they may determine, for the purpose of considering matters concerning the Church of England and making provision by appropriate instruments for such matters in relation to their province or referring such matters to the General Synod, and shall meet for the purpose of discharging their functions under section 3 of this Measure and their functions under Article 7 of the Constitution of the General Synod in respect of provisions touching doctrinal formulae or the services or ceremonies of the Church of England or the administration of the Sacraments or sacred rites thereof, or to consider any other matter referred to them by the General Synod:

Provided that the power to make provision as aforesaid shall not be exercisable by Canon, and shall (without prejudice to the said Article 7) be exercisable consistently with the exercise of functions by the General Synod and, in the event of any inconsistency, the provision made by the General Synod shall prevail.

3 E The said Convocation may, by their Standing Orders or otherwise, make provision for joining to their two Houses, at such sittings and for the purposes of such of their functions as they may determine, a House of Laity composed of—

(a) such of the members of the House of Laity of the General Synod as are elected for areas in the province;

(b) such of the ex-officio and co-opted members of the said House as may be allocated to the province for the purposes of this paragraph by the President and the Prolocutor of the Houses of the said Convocation and the Prolocutor and Pro-Prolocutor of the House Laity of the General Synod; and

(c) the member of the said House chosen by the lay members of religious communities in the said province:

Provided that the House of Laity joined as aforesaid to the two Houses of the said Convocation shall not be given any power to vote on any matter referred to the Convocation under Article 7 of the said Constitution, or any matter in respect of which powers are exercisable by the Convocation in accordance with section 3 of the said Measure.

4 E The vesting of rights and privileges of the said Convocation in the General Synod by this Canon shall not affect the right of the said Convocation (which shall be exercisable also by the General Synod) to present addresses to Her Majesty, or the right of the Lower House of the said Convocation to present gravamina to the Upper House thereof.

Section 2.

SCHEDULE 2 E Constitution of the General Synod

Extent Information

E6 For extent to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man see s. 9(3)-(5)

1 E The General Synod shall consist of the Convocations of Canterbury and York joined together in a House of Bishops and a House of Clergy and having added to them a House of Laity.

2 E The House of Bishops and the House of Clergy shall accordingly comprise the Upper and the Lower Houses respectively of the said Convocations, and the House of Laity shall be elected and otherwise constituted in accordance with the Church Representation Rules.

3 (1) The General Synod shall meet in session at least twice a year, and at such times and places as it may provide, or, in the absence of such provision, as the Joint Presidents of the Synod may direct. E

(2) The General Synod shall, on the dissolution of the Convocations, itself be automatically dissolved, and shall come into being on the calling together of the new Convocations.

(3) Business pending at the dissolution of the General Synod shall not abate, but may be resumed by the new Synod at the stage reached before the dissolution, and any Boards, Commissions, Committees or other bodies of the Synod may, so far as may be appropriate and subject to any Standing Orders or any directions of the Synod or of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, continue their proceedings during the period of the dissolution, and all things may be done by the Archbishops or any such bodies or any officers of the General Synod as may be necessary or expedient for conducting the affairs of the Synod during the period of dissolution and for making arrangements for the resumption of business by the new Synod.

(4) A member of the General Synod may continue to act during the period of the dissolution as a member of any such Board, Commission, Committee or body:

Provided that, if a member of the Synod who is an elected proctor of the clergy or an elected member of the House of Laity does not stand for re-election or is not re-elected, this paragraph shall cease to apply to him with effect from the date on which the election of his successor is announced by the presiding officer.

4 (1) The Archbishops of Canterbury and York shall be joint Presidents of the General Synod, and they shall determine the occasions on which it is desirable that one of the Presidents shall be the chairman of a meeting of the General Synod, and shall arrange between them which of them is to take the chair on any such occasion: E

Provided that one of the Presidents shall be the Chairman when any motion is taken for the final approval of a provision to which Article 7 of this Constitution applies and in such other cases as may be provided in Standing Orders.

(2) The Presidents shall, after consultation with the Standing Committee of the General Synod, appoint from among the members of the Synod a panel of not less than 3 or more than 8 chairmen, who shall be chosen for their experience and ability as chairmen of meetings and may be members of any House; and it shall be the duty of one of the chairmen on the panel, in accordance with arrangements approved by the Presidents and subject to any special directions of the Presidents, to take the chair at meetings of the General Synod at which neither of the Presidents take the chair.

(3) The Provincial Registrars shall be Joint Registrars of the General Synod.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Sch. 2 Art. 4(2): functions of Standing Committee transferred (1.1.1999) to Appointments Committee by S.I. 1998/1715, arts. 1(2)(4), 2, Sch. 1; Instrument made by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York dated 14.10.1998

5 (1) A motion for the final approval of any Measure or Canon shall not be deemed to be carried unless, on a division by Houses, it receives the assent of the majority of the members of each House present and voting: E

Provided that by permission of the chairman and with the leave of the General Synod given in accordance with Standing Orders this requirement may be dispensed with.

(2) All other motions of the General Synod shall, subject as hereinafter provided, be determined by a majority of the members of the Synod present and voting, and the vote may be taken by a show of hands or a division:

Provided that, except in the case of a motion relating solely to the course of business or procedure, any 25 members present may demand a division by Houses and in that case the motion shall not be deemed to be carried unless, on such a division, it receives the assent of the majority of the members of each House present and voting.

[F2 (3) This Article shall be subject to any provision of this Constitution or of any Measure with respect to special majorities of the Synod or of each House thereof, and where a special majority of each House is required the vote shall be taken on a division by Houses, and where a special majority of the whole Synod is required, the motion shall, for the purposes of this Article, be one relating solely to procedure.]

[F3 (4) Where a vote is to be taken on a division by Houses, it may be taken either by an actual division or in such other manner as standing orders may provide.]

Textual Amendments

F2 Article 5(3) substituted by Synodical Government (Special Majorities) Measure 1971 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 1(3)

F3 Article 5(4) inserted by Synodical Government (Amendment) Measure 1974 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 3

6 E The functions of the General Synod shall be as follows:—

(a) to consider matters concerning the Church of England and to make provision in respect thereof—

(i) by Measure intended to be given, in the manner prescribed by the M18 Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919, the force and effect of an Act of Parliament, or

(ii) by Canon made, promulged and executed in accordance with the like provisions and subject to the like restrictions and having the like legislative force as Canons heretofore made, promulged and executed by the Convocations of Canterbury and York, or

(iii) by such order, regulation or other subordinate instrument as may be authorised by Measure or Canon; or

(iv) by such Act of Synod, regulation or other instrument or proceeding as may be appropriate in cases where provision by or under a Measure or Canon is not required;

(b) to consider and express their opinion on any other matters of religious or public interest.

Marginal Citations

M18 1919 c. 76 (21:1).

7 (1) A provision touching doctrinal formulae or the services or ceremonies of the Church of England or the administration of the Sacraments or sacred rites thereof shall, before it is finally approved by the General Synod, be referred to the House of Bishops, and shall be submitted for such final approval in terms proposed by the House of Bishops and not otherwise. E

(2) A provision touching any of the matters aforesaid shall, if the Convocations or either of them or the House of Laity so require, be referred, in the terms proposed by the House of Bishops for final approval by the General Synod, to the two Convocations sitting separately for their provinces and to the House of Laity; and no provision so referred shall be submitted for final approval by the General Synod unless it has been approved, in the terms so proposed, by each House of the two Convocations sitting as aforesaid and by the House of Laity.

(3) The question whether such a reference is required by a Convocation shall be decided by the President and Prolocutor of the Houses of that Convocation, and the Prolocutor shall consult the Standing Committee of the Lower House of Canterbury or, as the case may be, the Assessors of the Lower House of York, and the decision of the President and Prolocutor shall be conclusive:

Provided that if, before such a decision is taken, either House of a Convocation resolves that the provision concerned shall be so referred or both Houses resolve that it shall not be so referred, the resolution or resolutions shall be a conclusive decision that the reference is or is not required by that Convocation.

(4) The question whether such a reference is required by the House of Laity shall be decided by the Prolocutor and Pro-Prolocutor of that House who shall consult the Standing Committee of that House, and the decision of the Prolocutor and the Pro-Prolocutor shall be conclusive:

Provided that if, before such a decision is taken, the House of Laity resolves that the reference is or is not required, the resolution shall be a conclusive decision of that question.

(5) Standing Orders of the General Synod shall provide for ensuring that a provision which fails to secure approval on a reference under this Article by each of the four Houses of the Convocations or by the House of Laity of the General Synod is not proposed again in the same or a similar form until a new General Synod comes into being, except that, in the case of objection by one House of one Convocation only, provision may be made for a second reference to the Convocations and, in the case of a second objection by one House only, for reference to the Houses of Bishops and Clergy of the General Synod for approval by a two-thirds majority of the members of each House present and voting, in lieu of such approval by the four Houses aforesaid.

(6) If any question arises whether the requirements of this Article or Standing Orders made thereunder apply to any provision, or whether those requirements have been complied with, it shall be conclusively determined by the Presidents and Prolocutors of the Houses of the Convocations and the Prolocutor and Pro-Prolocutor of the House of Laity of the General Synod.

8 (1) A Measure [F4 or Canon] providing for permanent changes in the Services of Baptism or Holy Communion or in the Ordinal, or a scheme for a constitutional union or a permanent and substantial change of relationship between the Church of England and another Christian body [F5 being a body a substantial number of whose members reside in Great Britain], shall not be finally approved by the General Synod unless, at a stage determined by the Archbishops, the Measure [F4 or Canon] or scheme, or the substance of the proposals embodied therein, has been approved by a majority of the dioceses at meetings of their Diocesan Synods [F6 or, in case of the diocese in Europe, of the bishop’s council and standing committee of that diocese]. E

[F7 (1A) If the Archbishops consider that this article should apply to a scheme which affects the Church of England and another Christian body but does not fall within paragraph (1) of this Article, they may direct that this Article shall apply to that scheme, and where such a direction is given this article shall apply accordingly.]

[F8 (1B) The General Synod may by resolution provide that final approval of any such scheme as aforesaid, being a scheme specified in the resolution, shall require the assent of such special majorities of the members present and voting as may be specified in the resolution, and the resolution may specify a special majority of each House or of the whole Synod or of both, and in the latter case the majorities may be different.]

[F9 (1C) A motion for the final approval of a Measure providing for permanent changes in any such Service or in the Ordinal shall not be deemed to be carried unless it receives the assent of a majority in each House of the General Synod of not less than two-thirds of those present and voting.]

(2) Any question whether this Article applies to any Measure [F4 or canon] or scheme, or whether its requirements have been complied with, shall be conclusively determined by the Archbishops, the Prolocutors of the Lower Houses of the Convocations and the Prolocutor and Pro-Prolocutor of the House of Laity of the General Synod.

Textual Amendments

F4 Words inserted by Church of England (Worship and Doctrine) Measure 1974 (No. 3, SIF 21:7), Sch. 1, para. 3

F5 Words inserted by Synodical Government (Amendment) Measure 1974 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 2(1)

F6 Words inserted by Diocese in Europe Measure 1980 (No. 2, SIF 21:1), s. 3(1)

F7 Article 8(1A) inserted by Synodical Government (Amendment) Measure 1974 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 2(2)

F8 Article 8(1B) inserted by Synodical Government (Special Majorities) Measure 1971 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 1(1) as Article 8(1A) and renumbered Article 8(1B) by Synodical Government (Amendment) Measure 1974 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 2(3)

F9 Article 8(1C) inserted by Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 1978 (No. 3, SIF 21:8), s. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Article 8 amended by Diocese in Europe Measure 1980 (No. 2, SIF 21:1), s. 3(2)

9 (1) Standing Orders of the General Synod may provide for separate sittings of any of the three Houses or joint sittings of any two Houses, and as to who is to take the chair at any such separate or joint sitting. E

(2) The House of Laity shall elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman of that House who shall also discharge the functions assigned by this Constitution and the Standing Orders and by or under any Measure or Canon to the Prolocutor and Pro-Prolocutor of that House.

10 (1) The General Synod shall appoint a Legislative Committee from members of all three Houses, to whom shall be referred all Measures passed by the General Synod which it is desired should be given, in accordance with the procedure prescribed by the M19 Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919, the force of an Act of Parliament; and it shall be the duty of the Legislative Committee to take such steps with respect to any such Measure as may be so prescribed.

(2) The General Synod may appoint or provide by their Standing Orders for the appointment of a Standing Committee and such other Committees, Commissions and bodies, which may include persons who are not members of the Synod, and such officers as they think fit.

(3) Each House may appoint or provide by their Standing Orders for the appointment of such Committees of their members as they think fit.

Marginal Citations

M19 1919 c. 76 (21:1).

11 (1) The General Synod may make, amend and revoke Standing Orders providing for any of the matters for which such provision is required or authorised by this Constitution to be made, and consistently with this Constitution, for the meetings, business and procedure of the General Synod. E

[F10 (1A) Provision may be made by Standing Order that the exercise of any power of the General Synod to suspend the Standing Orders or any of them shall require the assent of such a majority of the members of the whole Synod present and voting as may be specified in the Standing Order.]

(2) Each House may make, amend and revoke Standing Orders for the matter referred to in Article 10(3) hereof and consistently with this Constitution and with any Standing Orders of the General Synod, for the separate sittings, business and procedure of that House.

(3) Subject to this Constitution and to any Standing Orders, the business and procedure at any meeting of the General Synod or any House or Houses thereof shall be regulated by the chairman of the meeting.

Textual Amendments

F10 Article 11(1A) inserted by Synodical Government (Special Majorities) Measure 1971 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 1(2)

12 (1) References to final approval shall, in relation to a Canon or Act of Synod be construed as referring to the final approval by the General Synod of the contents of the Canon or Act, and not to the formal promulgation thereof: E

Provided that the proviso to Article 4(1) shall apply both to the final approval and to the formal promulgation of a Canon or Act of Synod.

(2) Any question concerning the interpretation of this Constitution, other than questions for the determination of which express provision is otherwise made, shall be referred to and determined by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

(3) No proceedings of the General Synod or any House or Houses thereof, or any Board, Commission, Committee or body thereof shall be invalidated by any vacancy in the membership of the body concerned or by any defect in the qualification, election or appointment of any member thereof.

13 E Any functions exercisable under this Constitution by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, whether described as such or as Presidents of the General Synod, may, during the absence abroad or incapacity through illness of one Archbishop or a vacancy in one of the Sees, be exercised by the other Archbishop alone.

Section 4.

SCHEDULE 3 E Church Representation Rules

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 Sch. 3 modified by Cathedrals Measure 1963 (No. 2), s. 12(3) (as substituted (1.6.1992) by Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 1992 (No. 1), s. 17(1), Sch. 3 para. 10;Instrument dated 27.5.1992 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Sch. 3 modified (30.6.1999) by 1999 No. 1, ss. 12(4), 38(2)(3) (with ss. 33, 37, 38(5)(6))

Part I E Church Electoral Roll

Formation of Roll E

1 (1) There shall be a church electoral roll (in these rules referred to as “the roll”) in every parish, on which the names of lay persons shall be entered as hereinafter provided. The roll shall be available for inspection by bona-fide inquirers.

[F11 (2) A lay person shall be entitled to have his name entered on the roll of a parish if he is baptised, of sixteen years or upwards, has signed an application form for enrolment set out in Appendix I of these rules and declares himself either—

(a) to be a member of the Church of England or of a Church in communion therewith resident in the parish; or

(b) to be such a member and, not being resident in the parish, to have habitually attended public worship in the parish during a period of six months prior to enrolment; or

(c) to be a member in good standing of a Church which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity (not being a Church in communion with the Church of England) and also prepared to declare himself to be a member of the Church of England having habitually attended public worship in the parish during a period of six months prior to enrolment.

Provided that where a lay person will have his sixteenth birthday after the intended revision of the electoral roll or the preparation of a new roll but on or before the date of the annual parochial church meeting, he may complete a form of application for enrolment and his name shall be enrolled but with effect from the date of his birthday.

(3) Where a person resides in an extra-parochial place he shall be deemed for the purposes of these rules to reside in the parish which it abuts, and if there is any doubt in the matter a determination shall be made by the bishop’s council and standing committee.]

[F12 [F13 (4)] A person shall be entitled to have his name on the roll of each of any number of parishes if he is entitled by virtue of F14 . . . [F15 paragraphs (2) and (3)]of this rule to have his name entered on each roll; but a person whose name is entered on the roll of each of two or more parishes must choose one of those parishes for the purpose of the provisions of these rules which prescribe the qualifications for election to a deanery synod, a diocesan synod or the General Synod or for membership [F16 of a parochial church council under rule F17 . . . [F18 14(1)(f)]or] of a deanery synod under rule [F19 24(6)(b)].]

[F13 (5)] The roll shall, until a parochial church council has been constituted in a parish, be formed and revised by the minister and churchwardens (if any), and shall, after such council has been constituted, be kept and revised by or under the direction of the council. Reference in this rule to a parochial church council shall, so far as may be necessary for giving effect to these rules, be construed as including references to the minister and churchwardens (if any).

[F20 [F13 (6)] Where a new parish is created by a pastoral scheme, the roll of that parish shall in the first instance consist—

(a) in the case of a parish created by the union of two or more former parishes, of the rolls of those parishes combined to form one roll;

(b) in any other case, of the names of the persons whose names are at the date of the coming into existence of the new parish entered on the roll of a parish the whole or any part of which forms part of the new parish and who are either resident in the new parish or have habitually attended public worship therein.]

[F13 (7)] The parochial church council shall appoint [F21 a church electoral roll officer] to act under its directions for the purpose of carrying out its functions with regard to the electoral roll.

[F13 (8)] The names of persons who are entitled to have their names entered upon the roll of the parish shall, subject to the provisions of these rules, be from time to time added to the roll. F22 . . . [F23 It shall be the duty of the electoral roll officer to keep the roll constantly up to date by the addition and removal of names as from time to time required by these rules and to report such additions and removals at the next meeting of the parochial church council.]

[F13 (9)] Subject to the provisions of this rule, a person’s name shall, as the occasion arises, be removed from the roll, if he:—

(a) has died; or

(b) becomes a clerk in Holy Orders; or

(c) signifies in writing his desire that his name should be removed; or

(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F24

[F25 (d) ceases to reside in the parish, unless after so ceasing he continues, in any period of six months [F26 habitually], to attend public worship in the parish, unless prevented from doing so by illness or other sufficient cause; or]

[F27 (e)] is not resident in the parish and has not [F28 habitually]attended public worship in the parish during the preceding six months, not having been prevented from doing so by illness or other sufficient cause; or

(g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F24

[F27 (f)] was not entitled to have his name entered on the roll at the time when it was entered.

[F13 (10)] The removal of a person’s name from the roll under any of the provisions of these rules shall be without prejudice to his right to have his name entered again, if he [F29 has or acquires that right].

[F13 (11)] The roll shall where practicable contain a record of the address of every person whose name is entered on the roll, but a failure to comply with this requirement shall not prejudice the validity of any entry on the roll.

Textual Amendments

F11 Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (2)(3) substituted for (2) (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 1.

F12 Rule 1(3) (now renumbered (4)) substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 1(2)

F13 Sch. 3 rule 1 paras. (3) to (9) renumbered (4)-(11) (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 1.

F14 Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. 1(4) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 2.

F15 Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (4) substituted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 2.

F16 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 1(2)

F17 Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (4) omitted (1.1.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 1

F18 Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (4) inserted (1.1.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 1

F19 Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (4) (originally (3)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F20 Rule 1(4A) (now renumbered (6)) inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 1

F21 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 1(3)

F22 Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (8) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 3

F23 Words in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (8) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 3

F24 Rule 1(7)(d)(g) (as originally enacted) repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 1(4)

F25 Rule 1(7)(d) (now renumbered 1(9)(d))substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 1(2)

F26 Word in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (9)(d) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 4

F27 Rule 1(7)(d)(e)(f) (originally (e)(f)(h)) re-lettered by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 1(4)

F28 Word in Sch. 3 rule 1 para. (9)(e) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 4

F29 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 1(5)

Revision of Roll and Preparation of New Roll E

2 (1) Except in a year in which a new roll is prepared, the roll of a parish shall be revised annually by or under the direction of the council. Notice of the intended revision in the form set out in section 2 of Appendix I to these rules shall be affixed by the minister or under his direction on or near the principal door of every church in the parish and every building in the parish licensed for public worship and remain so affixed for a period of not less than fourteen days before the commencement of the revision. The revision shall be completed not less than fifteen days or more than twenty-eight days before the annual parochial church meeting. E

(2) Upon every revision all enrolments or removals from the roll which have been effected since the date of the last revision (or since the formation of the roll, if there has been no previous revision) shall be reviewed, and such further enrolments or removals from the rolls as may be required shall be effected.

(3) After the completion of the revision, a copy of the roll as revised shall, together with a list of the names removed from the roll since the last revision (or since the formation of the roll, if there has been no previous revision), be published by being exhibited continuously for not less than fourteen days before the annual parochial church meeting on or near the principal door of the parish church in such manner as the council shall appoint. F30 . . . [F31 During the period while the copy is so exhibited any errors and omissions in the roll may be corrected but subject thereto and to the provisions of rule 1(2), no names shall be added to or removed from the roll during the period in any year between the completion of the revision and the close of the annual parochial church meeting.]

(4) Not less than two months before the annual parochial church meeting in the year [F32 1990] and every succeeding sixth year notice in the form set out in section 3 of Appendix 1 to these rules shall be affixed by the minister or under his direction on or near the principal door of every church in the parish and every building in the parish licensed for public worship and remain so affixed for a period of not less than fourteen days. On the affixing of the notice a new roll shall be prepared.

[F33 At every service held on each of the two Sundays within the period of fourteen days beginning with the date of the affixing of the notice or, in the case of a church in which no service is held on either of those Sundays, at every service held in that church on the first Sunday after that date the person conducting the service shall inform the congregation of the preparation of the new roll.]

[F34 (5) The parochial church council shall take reasonable steps to inform every person whose name is entered on the previous roll that a new roll is being prepared and that if he wishes to have his name entered on the new roll he must apply for enrolment. No such steps need be taken with respect to any person whose name could be removed from the previous roll under rule [F35 1(9)].]

(6) The new roll shall be prepared by entering upon it the names of persons entitled to entry under rule 1(2), and a fresh application shall be required from persons whose names were entered on the previous roll. A person whose name was so entered shall not be disqualified for entry on the new roll by reason only of his failure to comply with the conditions specified in rule [F36 1(2)(b) and (c)], if he was prevented from doing so by illness or other sufficient cause, and the circumstances shall be stated on the application form. The preparation of the new roll shall be completed not less than fifteen days or more than twenty-eight days before the annual parochial church meeting.

(7) After the completion of the new roll, a copy shall be published by being exhibited continuously for not less than fourteen days before the annual parochial church meeting on or near the principal door of the parish church in such manner as the council shall appoint. F37 . . . [F38 During the period while the copy is so exhibited any errors and omissions in the roll may be corrected but subject thereto and to the provisions of rule 1(2) no names may be added to or removed from the roll during the period in any year between the completion of the new roll and the close of the annual parochial church meeting.]On the publication of the new roll the previous roll shall cease to have effect

(8) Upon the alteration of the boundaries of any parishes the parochial church council of the parish from which any area is transferred shall enquire from the persons resident in that area whose names are entered on the roll of the parish, whether they wish to have their names transferred to the roll of the other parish. The parochial church council shall remove the names of persons answering in the affirmative from its own roll and shall inform the parochial church council of the parish in which such persons now reside, which shall enter the names on its roll without any application for enrolment being required.

Textual Amendments

F30 Words in Sch. 3 rule 2 para. (3) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 5.

F31 Words in Sch. 3 rule 2 para. (3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 5.

F32 Words “1990” substituted (in place of “1972”) by virtue of S.I. 1984/1039, para. 2(2) (where the substitution is expressed as follows: In rule 2(4) for the word “1978” there shall be substituted the word “1990”)

F33 Para. inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 2(1)

F34 Rule 2(5) substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 2(2)

F35 Words in Sch. 3 rule 2 para. (5) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F36 Words in Sch. 3 rule 2 para. (6) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F37 Words in Sch. 3 rule 2 para. (7) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 6.

F38 Words in Sch. 3 rule 2 para. (7) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 6.

Procedural provisions relating to entry and removal of names E

3 (1) When a person applying for enrolment on the roll of any parish signifies his desire that his name should be removed from the roll of any other parish, notice of that fact shall be sent by the parochial church council receiving the application to the parochial church council of that other parish. E

(2) When the name of any person is removed from the roll of the parish owing to his having become resident in another parish, notice of that fact shall, whenever possible, be sent by the parochial church council of the first mentioned parish to the parochial church council of the last mentioned parish.

(3)—(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F39

Textual Amendments

F39 Sch. 3 rules 3(3)–(5), 4(3)(4), repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 4(b)

Certification of Numbers on Rolls E

[F40 4 E Not later than the 1st June the chairman, vice-chairman, secretary or church electoral roll officer of the parochial church council shall notify in writing the secretary of the diocesan synod of the number of names on the roll of each parish as at the date of the annual meeting and a copy of such notification shall be affixed at or near to the principal door of every church in the parish and every building licensed for public worship in the parish when notification is sent to the secretary of the diocesan synod, and shall remain so affixed for a period of not less than fourteen days.]

Textual Amendments

F40 Sch. 3 rule 4 substituted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 7.

[F41 [F42 5] (1) A person whose name is entered on the roll of a guild church shall for the purpose of the provisions of these rules which prescribe the qualifications for election to a deanery synod, a diocesan synod or the House of Laity of the General Synod, or for membership of a deanery synod under rule [F43 24(6)(b)], be deemed to be a person whose name is on the roll of the parish in which the guild church is, and references in those provisions or in rule [F43 1(4)] to a person whose name is on the roll of a parish or on the roll of each of two or more parishes, and in rule [F43 46] to entry on the roll of a parish, shall be construed accordingly. E

(2) In this rule “guild church” means a church in the City of London designated and established as a guild church under the City of London (Guild Churches) Acts 1952 and 1960.]

Textual Amendments

F41 Rule 4A added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 5.

F42 Rule 5 (originally 4A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 8.

F43 Words in Sch. 3 rule 5 para. (1) (originally 4A para. (1)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Part II E Parochial Church Meetings and Councils Annual Meetings

[F44 6] (1) In every parish there shall be held not later than the 30th April in each year the annual parochial church meeting (hereafter in these rules referred to as “the annual meeting”). E

(2) All lay persons whose names are entered on the roll of the parish shall be entitled to attend the annual meeting and to take part in its proceedings, and no other lay person shall be so entitled.

(3) A clerk in Holy Orders shall be entitled to attend the annual meeting of a parish and take part in its proceedings—

(a) if he is either beneficed in or licensed to the parish or any other parish in the area of the benefice to which the parish belongs; or

(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F45

[F46 (b)] if he is resident in the parish and is not beneficed in or licensed to any other parish.

[F47 (c) if he is not resident in the parish and is not beneficed or licensed to any other parish, the parochial church council with the concurrence of the minister has declared him to be a habitual worshipper in the parish, such declaration being effective until the conclusion of the annual meeting in the year in which a new roll is prepared under rule 2 or his ceasing to be a habitual worshipper in the parish whichever is the earlier, but without prejudice to a renewal of such declaration; or

(d) if he is a co-opted member of the parochial church council in accordance with rule F48 . . . [F49 14(1)(h)].]

[F50 (4) Without prejudice to paragraphs (2) and (3) of this rule—

(a) all the members of the team of a team ministry shall be entitled to attend, and take part in the proceedings of, the annual meeting of the parish or each of the parishes in the area of the benefice for which the team ministry is established, and where the area of a group ministry includes the area of a benefice for which a team ministry is established, all the vicars in that ministry shall be entitled to attend, and take part in the proceedings of, the annual meeting of each of the other parishes in the area for which the group ministry is established;

(b) all the incumbents and priests in charge in a group ministry shall be entitled to attend, and take part in the proceedings of, the annual meeting of each of the parishes in the area for which the group ministry is established.

(5) Where two or more benefices are held in plurality and a team ministry is, or is to be, established for the area of one of those benefices, then, if a pastoral scheme provides for extending the operation of the team ministry, so long as the plurality continues, to the area of any other benefice so held, paragraph (4) of this rule shall have effect as if the references to the area of the benefice were references to the combined area of the benefices concerned.]

Textual Amendments

F44 Rule 6 (originally 5) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 8.

F45 Rule 5(3)(b) (as originally enacted) repealed by S.I. 1981/959, para. 2(1).

F46 Rule 5(3)(c) re-lettered “b” by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 4.

F47 Rule 5(3)(c)(d) inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 4.

F48 Words in Sch. 3 rule 6 para (3)(d) omitted (1.1.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 1.

F49 Words in Sch. 3 rule 6 para (3)(d) inserted (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3243, para. 1.

F50 Rule 5(4)(5) inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 2(2).

Convening of Meeting E

[F51 7] (1) The annual meeting shall be convened by the minister of the parish by a notice in the form set out in section 4 of Appendix 1 to these rules affixed on or near to the principal door of every church in the parish and every building licensed for public worship in the parish, for a period including the last two Sundays before the day of the meeting. E

(2) The annual meeting shall be held at such place on such date and at such hour as shall be directed by the previous annual meeting, or by the parochial church council (which may vary any direction given by a previous annual meeting) or in the absence of any such direction as shall be appointed by the minister.

(3) During the vacancy of the benefice or curacy or when the minister is absent or incapacitated by illness or any other cause, the vice-chairman of the parochial church council, or if there is no vice-chairman, or if he is unable or unwilling to act, the secretary of or some other person appointed by that council shall have all the powers vested in the minister under this rule.

(4) The annual meeting shall be held at a place within the parish unless the parochial church council decide otherwise.

[F52 (5) The minister of a new parish created by a pastoral scheme, or, in the absence of the minister, a person appointed by the bishop, shall as soon as possible after the scheme comes into operation convene a special parochial church meeting, and, subject to paragraph (6) of this rule, the provisions of these rules relating to the convening and conduct of the annual general meeting shall apply to a special meeting convened under this paragraph.

(6) A special meeting so convened and held in the month of November or the month of December may, if the meeting so resolves, be for all purposes under these rules the annual meeting for the succeeding year, and a special meeting so convened shall in any event be for all such purposes the annual meeting for the year in which it is so convened and held.]

Textual Amendments

F51 Rule 7 (originally 6) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 8.

F52 Rule 6(5)(6) inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 3

Chairman E

[F53 8] E

[F53 8] [F54 (1) The minister, if present, or, if he is not present, the vice-chairman of the parochial church council, or, subject to paragraph (2) of this rule, if he also is not present, a chairman chosen by the annual meeting shall preside thereat. E

(2) Where a parish is in the area of a benefice for which a team ministry is established, and a vicar in that ministry is entitled to preside at an annual meeting of that parish by virtue of a provision in a pastoral scheme or the bishop’s licence assigning to the vicar the duties, or a share in the duties, of the chairmanship of the annual meeting of that parish, then, if both he and the vice-chairman of the parochial church council are not present at that meeting, but the rector in that ministry is present, the rector shall preside thereat.]

[F55 (3)] In case of an equal division of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote [F56 unless it is a case where rule [F57 11(8)] applies]; but no clerical chairman shall have a vote in the election of the parochial representatives of the laity.

Textual Amendments

F53 Rule 8 (originally 7) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 8.

F54 Rule 7(1)(2) substituted for first sentence of rule 7 by S.I. 1981/959, para. 4(1)

F55 Second sentence of rule 7 numbered para. (3) by S.I. 1981/959, para. 4(2)

F56 Words inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 6

F57 Words in Sch. 3 rule 8 para. (3) (originally 7(3)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Business E

[F58 9] (1) The annual meeting shall receive from the parochial church council and shall be free to discuss:—

F59 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F60 (a) a report on changes in the roll since the last annual parochial church meeting or, in a year in which a new roll is prepared, a report on the numbers entered on the new roll;]

(b) an annual report on the proceedings of the parochial church council;

(c) an annual report on the financial affairs of the parish;

(d) the audited accounts of a report on the proceedings of the deanery synod.

(e) an audited statement of the funds and property, if any, remaining in the hands of the parochial church council at the said date;

(f) a report upon the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church or churches of the parish [F61 , under section 5 of the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991]; and

(g) a report on the proceedings of the deanery synod.

(2) The council shall cause [F62 a copy of the said roll to be available for inspection at the meeting and shall cause]a copy of the said audited accounts and the said audited statement to be affixed on or near the principal door of every church in the parish and every building licensed for public worship in the parish at least seven days before the annual meeting.

(3) Such accounts and statement shall be submitted to the annual meeting for approval. If approved, they shall be signed by the chairman of the meeting, who shall then deliver them to the parochial church council for publication, and the parochial church council shall forthwith cause them to be published and affixed [F63 for a period of at least fourteen days] on or near the principal door of every church in the parish and every building licensed for public worship in the parish and at such other conspicuous place or places in the parish as the parochial church council think appropriate [F64 and shall cause a copy to be sent to the secretary of the diocesan board of finance.]

F65 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F66 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F67 (4) The annual meeting shall in the manner provided by rule 11—

(a) elect in every third year parochial representatives of the laity to the deanery synod;

(b) elect parochial representatives of the laity to the parochial church council;

(c) appoint sidesmen;

F68 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F69 (d) appoint the independent examiner or auditor to the council for a term of office ending at the close of the next annual meeting, provided that such person shall not be a member of the council.]

and the elections and appointments shall be carried out in the above order.]

[F70 [F71 (5)] Without prejudice to the foregoing provisions and rule [F72 7(6)], a special parochial church meeting convened under rule [F72 7(5)] shall, in addition to other business,—

(a) decide on the number of members of the parochial church council who are to be the elected representatives of the laity;

(b) elect in the manner provided by rule [F72 11] parochial representatives of the laity to the deanery synod, if such representatives are required to be elected in the year for which that meeting is the annual meeting by virtue of rule [F72 7(6)].]

[F71 (6)] Any person entitled to attend the annual meeting may ask any question about parochial church matters, or bring about a discussion of any matter of parochial or general interest, by moving a general resolution or by moving to give any particular recommendation to the council in relation to its duties.

[F71 (7)] The annual meeting shall have power to adjourn and to determine its own rules of procedure.

[F71 (8)] The secretary of the parochial church council (or another person appointed by the meeting in his place) shall act as a clerk of the annual meeting, and shall record the minutes thereof.

Textual Amendments

F58 Rule 9 (originally 8) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 8.

F59 Sch. 3 rule 9(1)(a) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 8.

F60 Sch. 3 rule 9 para. 1(a) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 8.

F61 Words in Sch. 3 rule 8(1)(f) inserted (1.3.1993) by Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991 (No. 1, SIF 28:1), s. 32(1), Sch. 7 para. 4(a) (with s. 31(6)); Instrument dated 16.2.1993 made by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York

F62 Words in Sch. 3 rule 9 para. 2 inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 9.

F63 Words inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 5(1)

F64 Words inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 5(2)

F65 Sch. 3 rule 9(4) (originally 8(4)) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 10.

F66 Sch. 3 rule 9(5) (originally 8(5)) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 10.

F67 Sch. 3 rule 9(4) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 10.

F68 Sch. 3 rule 9 para (4)(d) omitted (1.5.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 4.

F69 Sch. 3 rule 9 para (4)(d) inserted (1.5.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 4.

F70 Rule 8(6) inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 5

F71 Sch. 3 rule 9(5)-(8) (previously 9(6)-(9)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 10.

F72 Words in Sch. 3 rule 9 para. (5) (originally 8(6)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Qualifications of persons to be chosen or elected by annual meetings E

[F73 10] F74 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F75 (1) Subject to the provisions of rule 1(4) and paragraph (3) of this rule, the qualifications of a person to be elected a parochial representative of the laity to either the parochial church council or the deanery synod are that—

(a) his name is entered on the roll of the parish;

(b) he is an actual communicant as defined in rule 54(1); and

(c) in the case of election to the parochial church council, he is of sixteen years or upwards, and in the case of his election to the deanery synod, he is of eighteen years or upwards.]

F74 (1A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F74 (1B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) The qualification of a person to be F76 . . . [F77 appointed] a sidesman is that his name is entered on the roll of the parish.

F78 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F79 (3) No person shall be nominated for election under rule 9—

(a) to serve on either the parochial church council, or the deanery synod unless he has signified his consent to serve, or there is in the opinion of the meeting sufficient evidence of his willingness to serve;

(b) to serve on the parochial church council, if he has been disqualified from serving on that parochial chuch council by the bishop under section 10(6) of the Incumbents (Vacation of Benefices) Measures 1977 and 1993;

(c) to serve on the parochial church council if he is disqualified from being a charity trustee under the Charities Act 1993]

Textual Amendments

F73 Sch. 3 rule 10 (originally 9) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 11.

F74 Sch. 3 rule 10 paras. (1)(1A)(1B) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 11.

F75 Sch. 3 rule 10 para. (1) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 11.

F76 Word in Sch. 3 rule 10 para. (2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 12.

F77 Word in Sch. 3 rule 10 para. (2) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 12.

F78 Sch. 3 rule 10 para. (3) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 12.

F79 Sch. 3 rule 10 para. (3) inserted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 13.

Conduct of Elections at Annual Meetings E

[F80 11] (1) [F81 F82 . . . [F83 Subject to the provisions of any resolution under rule 12]for the time being in force] this rule shall apply to all elections at annual meetings. E

(2) All candidates for election at an annual meeting must be nominated and seconded by persons entitled to attend the annual meeting, and in the case of parochial representatives of the laity, by persons whose names are entered on the roll of the parish. A candidate shall be nominated or seconded either before the meeting in writing or at the meeting.

(3) If the number of candidates nominated is not greater than the number of seats to be filled, the candidates nominated shall forthwith be declared elected.

(4) If more candidates are nominated than there are seats to be filled, the election shall take place at the annual meeting.

(5) No clerk in Holy Orders shall be entitled to vote in the election of any parochial representatives of the laity.

(6) Each person entitled to vote shall have as many votes as there are seats to be filled but may not give more than one vote to any one candidate.

(7) Votes may be given:—

(a) on voting papers, which must be signed by the voter [F84 on the reverse thereof]; or

(b) if no person present objects thereto, by show of hands.

(8) [F85 (a)] Where owing to an equality of votes an election is not decided, the decision between the persons for whom the equal numbers of votes have been cast shall be taken by lot. E

[F86 (b) When an election or any stage of an election is recounted, either on appeal or at the request of the presiding officer or of a candidate, if the original count and the re-count are identical at the point when a lot must be drawn to resolve a tie, the original lot shall be used to make the determination.]

(9) The result of any election by an annual meeting shall be announced as soon as practicable by the person presiding over the election, and a notice of the result shall in every case be affixed on or near the principal door of every church in the parish and every building licensed for public worship in the parish, and shall bear the date on which the result is declared. The notice shall remain affixed for not less than fourteen days. [F87 Thereafter the secretary of the parochial church council shall hold a list of the names and addresses of the members of the council which shall be available for inspection on reasonable notice being given by any person who either is resident in the parish or has his name on the electoral roll, but the secretary shall not be bound to provide a copy of such list.]

[F88 (10) Names and addresses, of parochial representatives of the laity elected to the deanery synod shall be sent by the secretary of the parochial church council to the diocesan electoral registration officer appointed in accordance with rule [F89 29] and to the secretary of the deanery synod.]

Textual Amendments

F80 Sch. 3 rule 11 (originally 10) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 14.

F81 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 3(1).

F82 Words in Sch. 3 rule 11 para. (1) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 14.

F83 Words in Sch. 3 rule 11 para. (1) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 14.

F84 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 3(2).

F85 Sch. 3 rule 11 para. (8)(a) (originally (8)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 14.

F86 Sch. 3 rule para. (8)(b) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 14.

F87 Words added by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 1(1).

F88 Sch. 3 rule 10(10) substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 1(2).

F89 Words in Sch. 3 rule 11 para. (10) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

[F90 Variation of method of election by scheme E

Textual Amendments

F90 Rule 10A and heading inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 3(1)

[F91 12] (1) The annual meeting may F92 . . . [F93 pass a resolution]which provides that the election of parochial representatives of the laity to the parochial church council or to the deanery synod or to both that council and that synod shall be conducted [F94 by the method of the single transferable vote] under rules, with the necessary modifications, made by the General Synod under rule [F95 39(7)] and for the time being in force. E

[F96 (2) The annual meeting may F92 . . . [F93 pass a resolution]which provides that any person entitled to attend the annual meeting and vote in the elections of parochial representatives of the laity to the parochial church council or to the deanery synod or to both that council and that synod may make application in the form set out in section 4A of Appendix I for a postal vote.

(3) Where applications for postal votes have been received by the date specified in the notice convening the annual meeting and where the number of candidates nominated for an election referred to in paragraph (2) of this rule is greater than the number of seats to be filled, the annual meeting shall appoint a presiding officer who shall not be a candidate in the election. Voting papers shall be distributed to each person present at the meeting entitled to vote and completed papers shall be returned into the custody of the presiding officer before the close of the meeting. The presiding officer shall ensure that persons who have made application for a postal vote shall be sent or have delivered a voting paper within 48 hours of the close of the meeting such paper to be returned to the presiding officer within such period of not less than 7 days nor more than 14 days from the date of the meeting as the presiding officer shall specify.]

F97 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F98 (4) A resolution passed under this rule shall be invalid unless approved by at least two thirds of the persons present and voting at the annual meeting nor shall it be operative until the next ensuing annual meeting. Such resolution may be rescinded by a subsequent resolution passed in the same manner.]]

Textual Amendments

F91 Sch. 3 rule para. 12 (originally 10A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 15.

F92 Words in Sch. 3 rule 12 para. (1)(2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 15.

F93 Words in Sch. 3 rule 12 para. (1)(2) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 15.

F94 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 6(1).

F95 Words in Sch. 3 rule 12 para. (1) (originally 10A(1)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F96 Sch. 3 rule 10A(2)(3) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 1(3).

F97 Sch. 3 rule 12 para. (4) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 16.

F98 Sch. 3 rule 12 para. (4) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 16.

Conduct of Elections of Churchwardens E

[F99 13] (1) If elections of churchwardens take place at meetings of parishioners under section 3 of the M20 Churchwardens (Appointment and Resignation) Measure 1964 either because there has been no joint consent under section 2 of that Measure or because there is no minister, the elections shall be conducted, announced and notified in the same manner as elections under [F100 rule [F101 11]] except that all persons entitled to attend the meeting of parishioners other than the minister shall be entitled to nominate and vote at such elections of churchwardens.

(2) The Churchwardens (Appointment and Registration) Measure 1964 shall be amended as follows:—

(a) in section 2(1) for words “not later in the year than during the week following Easter week” there shall be substituted the words “not later than the 30th April in each year”;

(b) sections 4, 5, 6 and 11(3) shall be repealed; and

(c) section 3(6) shall not apply to elections of churchwardens.

Textual Amendments

F99 Sch. 3 rule 13 (originally 11) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 17.

F100 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 7

F101 Words in Sch. 3 rule 13 para. (1) (originally 11(1)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 The text of s. 6 and Sch. 3 rule 11(2) is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M20 1964 No. 3 (21:6).

Parochial Church Council Members E

[F102 14] (1) [F103 Subject to the provisions of rule [F104 1(4)][F105 and paragraph (3) of this rule,]] the parochial church council shall consist of:—

(a) all clerks in Holy Orders beneficed in or licensed to the parish, . . . F106

[F107 (b) any deaconess or lay worker licensed to the parish;]

[F108 [F109 (c)] in the case of a parish in the area of a benefice for which a team ministry is established, all the members of the team of that ministry;]

[F109 (d)] the churchwardens, being F110 . . . [F111 actual communicants] whose names are on the roll of the parish;

F112 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F113 [F109 (e)] such, if any, of the readers who are licensed to that parish or licensed to an area which includes that parish and whose names are on the roll of the parish as the annual meeting may determine.]

[F109 (f)] all persons whose names are on the roll of the parish and who are lay members of any deanery synod, diocesan synod or the General Synod;

[(g)] such number of representatives of the laity as the annual meeting may decide, and so that the number determined may be altered from time to time by a resolution passed at any annual meeting, but such resolution shall not take effect before the next ensuing annual meeting; and

[F109 (h)] co-opted members, if the parochial church council so decides, not exceeding in number one-fifth of the representatives of the laity elected under the last preceding sub-paragraph of this paragraph [F114 or two persons whichever shall be the greater,], and being either clerks in Holy Orders or F115 . . . [F116 actual lay communicants of sixteen] years of age or upwards. The term of office of a co-opted member shall be until the conclusion of the next annual meeting; but without prejudice to his being co-opted on subsequent occasions for a similar term, subject to and in accordance with the provisions of these rules.

[F117 [F118 (2)] Any person chosen, appointed or elected as a churchwarden of a parish, being an F119 . . . [F120 actual communicant]whose name is on the roll of the parish, shall as from the date on which the choice, appointment or election, as the case may be, is made be a member of the parochial church council of the parish by virtue of this paragraph until he is admitted to the office of churchwarden, and he shall thereafter continue to be a member of that council by virtue of [F121 paragraph 1(d)] of this rule unless and until he ceases to be qualified for membership by virtue of that sub-paragraph.]

[F122 (3)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F123 (3) A person shall cease to be a member of a parochial church council—

(a) if his name is removed from the roll of the parish under rule 1, on the date on which his name is removed;

(b) if he refuses or fails to apply for enrolment when a new roll is being prepared, on the date on which the new roll is completed;

(c) if he is disqualified from being a charity trustee under the Charities Act 1993 or from serving on that parochial church council by the bishop under section 10(6) of the Incumbents (Vacation of Benefices) Measures 1977 and 1993, on the date on which the disqualification takes effect;

but, so far as the provisions of (a) and (b) above are concerned, shall be without prejudice to any right which that council may have to make that person a co-opted member.]

[F118 (4)] Where a group ministry is established the incumbents of all benefices in the group [F124 every priest in charge of any benefice therein and where the area of the group ministry includes the area of a benefice for which a team ministry is established, all the vicars in that ministry] shall be entitled to attend meetings of the parochial church councils of all the parishes in the area for which the group ministry is established. They shall be entitled to receive documents circulated to members of councils of which they are not themselves members and to speak but not to vote at meetings of such councils.

[F125 [F118 (5)] Where two or more benefices are held in plurality and a team ministry is, or is to be, established for the area of one of those benefices, then, if a pastoral scheme provides for extending the operation of the team ministry, so long as the plurality continues, to the area of any other benefice so held, paragraphs [F126 1(c) and (4)]of this rule shall have effect as if the references to the area of the benefice were references to the combined area of the benefices concerned.]

Textual Amendments

F102 Sch. 3 rule 14 (originally 12) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 17.

F103 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 4(1).

F104 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14(1) (originally 12(1)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F105 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (1) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 17(a).

F106 Words repealed by S.I. 1981/959, para. 6(1).

F107 Rule 12(1)(b) substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 8.

F108 Rule 12(1)(bb) inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 6(1).

F109 Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (1)(c)-(h) (originally (1)(bb)-(g)) relettered (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3243, para. 5.

F110 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14(1)(c) (originally 12(1)(c)) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para.17(b).

F111 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14(1)(c) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 17(b).

F112 Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (1)(d) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 18(a).

F113 Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (1)(d) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 18(a).

F114 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 2.

F115 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (1)(g) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 18(b).

F116 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (1)(g) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, 18(b).

F117 Rule 12(1A) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 4(2).

F118 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14 paras. (2)-(5) (originally (1A)-(4)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 18(b).

F119 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 18(b).

F120 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (2) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 18(b).

F121 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14(1A) (originally 12(1A)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F122 Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (2) renumbered (3) and omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, paras. 18, 19.

F123 Sch. 3 rule 14 para. (3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 19.

F124 Words inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 6(2).

F125 Rule 12(4) inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 6(3).

F126 Words in Sch. 3 rule 14(4) (originally 12(4)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

General Provisions relating to Parochial Church Councils E

[F127 15] E The provisions in Appendix II to these rules shall have effect with respect to parochial church councils, and with respect to the officers, the meetings and the proceedings thereof:

Provided that a parochial church council may, with the consent of the diocesan synod, vary the said provisions, in their application to the council.

Textual Amendments

F127 Sch. 3 rule 15 (originally 13) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20.

Term of office E

[F128 16] [F129 (1)] Representatives of the laity on the parochial church council of a parish shall hold office from the conclusion of the annual meeting until the conclusion of the next annual meeting of the parish:

Provided that the annual meeting may decide that one-third only (or the number nearest to one-third) of the representatives of the laity elected to the council shall retire from office in every year. In any case where it is so decided, the representatives of the laity to retire from office at each annual meeting shall be those who have been longest in office since last elected, and as between representatives of the laity elected on the same day, those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be selected by lot. A representative of the laity shall in any event retire at the conclusion of the third annual meeting after that at which he was elected.

[F129 (2) Persons who are members of a parochial church council by virtue of their election as lay members of a deanery synod shall hold office for a term beginning with the date of their election and ending with the 31st May next following the election of their successors.]

Textual Amendments

F128 Sch. 3 rule 16 (originally 14) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20.

F129 “(1)” inserted, and rule 14(2) added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 9

Limitation on years of service E

[F130 17] The annual meeting may decide that no representative of the laity on the parochial church council may hold office for more than a specified number of years continuously and may also decide that after a specified interval a person who has ceased to be eligible by reason of such decision may again stand for election as a representative of the laity on the council.

Textual Amendments

F130 Sch. 3 rule 17 (originally 15) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20.

Parishes with more than one Place of Worship E

[F131 18] (1) In any parish where there are two or more churches or [F132 places of worship] the annual meeting may make a scheme, [F133 which makes provision for either or both of the following purposes, that is to say]:—

(a) for the election of representatives of the laity to the parochial church council in such manner as to ensure due representation of the congregation of each such church or [F134 place][F135 and]

[F136 (b) for the election by the annual meeting for any district in the parish in which a church or place of worship is situated of a district church council for that district]

(2) A scheme for the election of any district church council or councils under the preceding paragraph shall provide for the election of representatives of the laity on to such council, for ex-officio members and for the chairmanship of such council and shall contain such other provisions as to membership and procedure as shall be considered appropriate by the annual meeting.

(3) Such a scheme may also provide for the delegation by the parochial church council to a district church council of such functions as it may specify and subject to the scheme the parochial church council may delegate to a district church council such of its functions as it shall think fit [F137 but not including (in either case) the functions of a parochial church council as interested parties under Part I of the Pastoral Measure [F138 1983][F139 or the functions of a parochial church council under Part II of the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986]][F140 or section 3 of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure 1993].

(4) [F141 A scheme may] provide for the election or choice of one or two deputy churchwardens . . . F142 , and for the delegation to him or them of such functions of the churchwardens relating to [F143 any church or place] as the scheme may specify, and the churchwardens may, subject to the scheme, delegate such of their said functions as they think fit to the deputy churchwarden or churchwardens.

[F144 (5) No scheme under this rule shall be valid unless approved by at least two-thirds of the persons present and voting at the annual meeting nor shall the scheme provide for it to come into operation until such date as the bishop’s council and standing committee may determine being a date not later than the next ensuing annual meeting. Every such scheme shall on its approval be communicated to the bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocesan synod which may determine—

(a) that the scheme shall come into operation; or

(b) that the scheme shall not come into operation; or

(c) that the scheme shall come into operation with specified amendments, if such amendments are approved by an annual or special parochial church meeting and the scheme as amended is approved by at least two-thirds of the persons present and voting at that meeting.]

[F145 [F146 (6)] A special parochial church meeting of a parish to which this rule applies may be convened for the purpose of deciding whether to make such a scheme, and where such a meeting is convened the foregoing provisions shall have effect with the substitution for references to the annual meeting of references to the special meeting.]

[F147 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F148

[F146 (7)] Where a pastoral scheme establishing a team minstry, or an instrument of the bishop made by virtue of that scheme, makes, in relation to a parish in the area of the benefice for which the team ministry is established, any provision which may be made by a scheme under this rule, no scheme under this rule relating to that parish shall provide for the scheme to come into operation until on or after the date on which the provisions in question of the pastoral scheme or of the instrument, as the case may be, cease to have effect.

[F146 (8)] A scheme under this rule may by varied or revoked by a subsequent scheme thereunder.

[F146 (9)] Every member of the team of a team ministry shall have a right to attend the meetings of any district church council elected for any district in a parish in the area of the benefice for which the team ministry is established.

[F146 (10)] This rule shall be without prejudice to the appointment, in parishes with more than one parish church, of two church-wardens for each church under section [F149 27(5) of the M21 Pastoral Measure 1983].

[F146 (11)] In this rule “place of worship” means a building or part of a building licensed for public worship.]

Textual Amendments

F131 Sch. 3 rule 18 (originally 16) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20.

F132 Words substituted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 7(1).

F133 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 10(a).

F134 Word substituted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 7(1).

F135 Word substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 10(b).

F136 Rule 16(1)(b) substituted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 7(2).

F137 Words inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 7(3).

F138 Word substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 9.

F139 Words inserted by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), s. 41(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(a).

F140 Words in Sch. 3 rule 16(3) inserted (1.2.1994) by 1993 Measure No. 2, s. 10, Sch. 3 para. 3(a); Instrument dated 31.1.1994 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

F141 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 9(2).

F142 Words repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 9(3).

F143 Words substituted by S.I. by virtue of S.I. 1984/1039, para. 9(4).

F144 Rule 16(5) substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 9(5).

F145 Sch. 3 rule 16(5A) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 3.

F146 Sch. 3 rule 18 paras. (6)-(11) (originally (5A)-(10)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20(a)

F147 Rule 16(6)–(11) substituted for rule 16(6) by S.I. 1981/959, para. 7(5).

F148 Sch. 3 rule 16(6) repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 9(6).

F149 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 9(7).

Marginal Citations

M21 1983 No. 1 (21:4).

Joint Parochial Church Councils E

[F150 [F151 19] (1) Where there are two or more parishes within the area of a single benefice or two or more benefices are held in plurality, the annual meetings of all or some of the parishes in the benefice or benefices may make a joint scheme to provide—

(a) for establishing a joint parochial church council (hereinafter referred to as “the joint council”) comprising the ministers of the parishes and such numbers of representatives of each of those parishes elected by and from among the other members of the parochial church council of the parish as may be specified in the scheme;

(b) for the chairmanship, meetings and procedure of the joint council;

(c) [F152 subject to paragraph 20 of Schedule 2 to the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986] for the delegation by the parochial church council of each such parish to the joint council of such of its functions, other than its functions as an interested party under Part I of the Pastoral Measure [F153 1983][F154 and its functions under section 3 of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure 1993], as may be so specified.

(2) Subject to the scheme and to any pastoral scheme or order made under paragraph 13 of Schedule 3 to the said Measure [F155 and to paragraph 20 of Schedule 2 to the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986], the parochial church council of any such parish may delegate to the joint council such of its functions, other than its functions as an interested party under the said Part 1 [F156 and its functions under section 3 of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure 1993], as it thinks fit.

(3) The joint council shall meet from time to time for the purpose of consulting together on matters of common concern.

[F157 (4) No scheme under this rule shall be valid unless approved by at least two-thirds of the persons present and voting at the annual meeting nor shall the scheme provide for it to come into operation until such date as the bishop’s council and standing committee may determine being a date not later than the next ensuing annual meeting. Every such scheme shall on its approval be communicated to the bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocesan synod which may determine—

(a) that the scheme shall come into operation; or

(b) that the scheme shall not come into operation; or

(c) that the scheme shall come into operation with specified amendments, if such amendments are approved by an annual or special parochial church meeting and the scheme as amended is approved by at least two-thirds of the persons present and voting at the meeting.]

(5)(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F158

[F159 (5)] A special parochial church meeting of a parish to which this rule applies may be convened for the purpose of deciding whether to join in making such a scheme, and where such a meeting is convened the foregoing provisions shall have effect with the substitution for references to the annual meeting of references to the special meeting.

[F159 (6)] Where a pastoral scheme or order, or any instrument of the bishop made by virtue of such a scheme or order, establishes a joint parochial church council for two or more of the parishes in a single benefice or two or more of the parishes in benefices held in plurality, no scheme under this rule relating to those parishes shall provide for the scheme to come into operation until on or after the date on which the provisions of the pastoral scheme, pastoral order or instrument, as the case may be, establishing the joint parochial church council cease to have effect.

[F159 (7)] Where the provisions of a pastoral scheme or order for the holding of benefices in plurality are terminated under section [F160 18(2) of the Pastoral Measure 1983], any provision of a scheme under this rule establishing a joint parochial church council for all or some of the parishes of those benefices and the other provisions thereof affecting that council shall cease to have effect on the date on which the first mentioned provisions cease to have effect.

[F159 (8)] A scheme under this rule may be varied or revoked by a subsequent scheme thereunder to be.]

Textual Amendments

F150 Rule 17 substituted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 8.

F151 Sch. 3 rule 19 (originally 17) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20.

F152 Words inserted by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), s. 41(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(b)(i).

F153 Word substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 10(1).

F154 Words in Sch. 3 rule 17(1)(c) inserted (1.2.1994) by 1993 Measure No. 2, s. 10, Sch. 3 para. 3(b)(i); Instrument dated 31.1.1994 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

F155 Words inserted by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), s. 41(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(b)(ii).

F156 Words in Sch. 3 rule 17(2) inserted (1.2.1994) by 1993 Measure No. 2, s. 10, Sch. 3 para. 3(b)(ii); Instrument dated 31.1.1994 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

F157 Rule 17(4) substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 10(2).

F158 Rule 17(5)(6) (as substituted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 8) repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para 10(3).

F159 Rule 17(5) to (8) (originally (7) to (10)) renumbered by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 10(3).

F160 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 10(4).

[F161 Team councils] E

Textual Amendments

F161 Rules 17A, 17B inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 9(1)

[F162 20] [F163 (1) Where a team ministry is established for the area of a benefice which comprises more than one parish the annual meetings of the parishes in that area may make a joint scheme to provide—

F164 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F165 (a) for establishing a team council comprising—

(i) the team rector;

(ii) the members of the team other than the team rector;

(iii) every assistant curate, deaconess and lay worker licensed to a parish within the team who are not members of the team;

(iv) such number of lay representatives elected by and from among the lay representatives of the parochial church council of each parish in the area as may be specified in the scheme.

Provided that where the total number of persons in sub-paragraphs (ii) and (iii) above would otherwise number more than one quarter of the total membership of the team council they may, and where those persons number more than one third they shall select among themselves which members shall be members of the team council so that the total number of those persons shall not exceed more than one third of the council.]

(b) for the chairmanship, meetings and procedure of the team council; and

(c) [F166 subject to paragraph 19 of Schedule 2 to the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986] for the delegation by the parochial church council of each such parish to the team council of such functions, other than its functions as an interested party under Part I of the Pastoral Measure [F167 1983][F168 as may be so specified][F169 and its functions under section 3 of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure 1993, as may be so specified]

(2) Subject to the scheme and to any pastoral scheme relating to the team council made under [F170 paragraph 4(3)] of Schedule 3 to the said Measure [F171 and to paragraph 19 of Schedule 2 to the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986], the parochial church council of any such parish may delegate to the team council such of its functions, other than its functions as an interested party under the said Part I [F172 and its functions under section 3 of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure 1993], as it thinks fit.

(3) The team council shall meet from time to time for the purpose of consulting together on matters of common concern.]

[F163 (4) No scheme under this rule shall be valid unless approved by at least two-thirds of the persons present and voting at the annual meeting nor shall the scheme provide for it to come into operation until such date as the bishop’s council and standing committee may determine being a date not later than the next ensuing annual meeting. Every such scheme shall on its approval be communicated to the bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocesan synod which may determine—

(a) that the scheme shall come into operation; or

(b) that the scheme shall not come into operation; or

(c) that the scheme shall come into operation with specified amendments, if such amendments are approved by an annual or special parochial church meeting and the scheme as amended is approved by at least two-thirds of the persons present and voting at that meeting.]

(5)(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F173

[F174 (5)] A special parochial church meeting of a parish to which this rule applies may be convened for the purpose of deciding whether to join in making such a scheme, and where such a meeting is convened the foregoing provisions shall have effect with the substitution for references to the annual meeting of references to the special meeting.

[F174 (6)] Where a pastoral scheme establishing a team ministry, or an instrument of the bishop made by virtue of that scheme, establishes a team counil for that ministry, no scheme under this rule relating to that ministry shall provide for the scheme to come into operation until on or after the date on which the provisions of the pastoral scheme or of the instrument, as the case may be, establishing the team council to have effect.

[F174 (7)] A scheme under this rule may be varied or revoked by a subsequent scheme thereunder to be.

Textual Amendments

F162 Sch. 3 rule 20 (originally 17A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20.

F163 Rule 17A(4) substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 11(2).

F164 Sch. 3 rule 20 para. 1(a) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20(b).

F165 Sch. 3 rule 20 para. 1(a) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 20(b).

F166 Words inserted by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), s. 41(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(c)(i).

F167 Word substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 11(1).

F168 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 4(1).

F169 Words in Sch. 3 rule 17A(1)(c) inserted (1.2.1994) by 1993 Measure No. 2, s. 10, Sch. 3 para. 3(c)(i); Instrument dated 31.1.1994 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

F170 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 4(2).

F171 Words inserted by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), s. 41(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(c)(ii).

F172 Words in Sch. 3 rule 17A(2) inserted (1.2.1994) by 1993 Measure No. 2, s. 10, Sch. 3 para. 3(c)(ii); Instrument dated 31.1.1994 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

F173 Rule 17A(5)(6) (as inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 9(1)) repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 11(3).

F174 Rule 17A(5) to (7) (originally (7) to (9)) renumbered by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 11(3).

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 In rule 17A(2) as originally passed the reference to the said measure was a reference to the Pastoral Measure 1968.

[F175 Group councils E

Textual Amendments

F175 Crossheading and rules 17A, 17B inserted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 9(1)

[F176 21] (1) Where a pastoral scheme establishes a group ministry, the annual meetings of the parishes in the area for which the group ministry is established may make a joint scheme to provide— E

(a) for establishing a group council comprising—

(i) all the members of the group ministry,

(ii) every assistant curate, deaconess, and lay worker licensed to any such parish, and

(iii) such number of lay representatives elected by and from among the lay members of the parochial church council of each such parish as may be specified in the scheme;

(b) for the chairmanship, meetings and procedure of the group council; and

(c) for the delegation by the parochial church council of each such parish to the group council of such functions, other than its functions as an interested party under Part I of the Pastoral Measure [F177 1983][F178 and its functions under Part II of the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986][F179 and section 3 of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure 1993] as may be so specified.

(2) If the area of a group ministry includes the area of a benefice for which a team ministry is established, a scheme under this rule shall provide for the vicars in that ministry, as well as the rector, and all the other members of the team to be members of the group council.

(3) Paragraphs (2) to [F180 (7)] of rule [F181 20] shall apply in relation to a scheme under this rule as they apply in relation to a scheme under this rule as they apply in relation to a scheme under that rule with the modification that for the references toa team ministry and a team council there shall be substituted references to a group ministry and a group council respectively [F182 except that the functions of a parochial church council under Part II of the Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 [F183 and section 3 of the Priests (Ordination of Women) Measure 1993] may not be delegated to a group council].]

Textual Amendments

F176 Sch. 3 rule 21 (originally 17B) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21

F177 Word substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 12(1).

F178 Words inserted by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), s. 41(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(d)(i).

F179 Words in Sch. 3 rule 17B(1)(c) inserted (1.2.1994) by 1993 Measure No. 2, s. 10, Sch. 3 para. 3(d)(i); Instrument dated 31.1.1994 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

F180 Word substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 12(2).

F181 Words in Sch. 3 rule 17B para. (3) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F182 Words added by Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986 (No. 3, SIF 21:4), s. 41(1), Sch. 4 para. 13(d)(ii).

F183 Words in Sch. 3 rule 17B(3) inserted (1.2.1994) by 1993 Measure No. 2, s. 10, Sch. 3 para. 3(d)(ii); Instrument dated 31.1.1994 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

[F184 Special Meetings E

Textual Amendments

F184 Sch. 3 rules 18 and 18A substituted for rule 18 by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 5

[F185 22] (1) In addition to the annual meeting the minister of a parish may convene a special parochial church meeting, and he shall do so on a written representation by not less than one-third of the lay members of the parochial church council; and the provisions of these rules relating to the convening and conduct of the annual meeting shall, with the necessary modifications, apply to a special parochial church meeting. E

(2) All lay persons whose names are entered on the roll of the parish on the day which is twenty-one clear days before the date on which any special parochial church meeting is to be held shall be entitled to attend the meeting and to take part in its proceedings, and no other lay person shall be so entitled.

(3) A clerk in Holy Orders shall be entitled to attend any such meeting and to take part in its proceedings if by virtue of rule [F186 6](3), (4) or (5) he would have been entitled to attend the annual meeting of the parish had it been held on the same date, and no other such clerk shall be so entitled.]

Textual Amendments

F185 Sch. 3 rule 22 (originally 18) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21

F186 Words in Sch. 3 rule 6(3) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Extraordinary Meetings E

[F187 23] (1) On a written representation made to the archdeacon by not less than one-third of the lay members of the parochial church council, or by one tenth of the persons whose names are on the roll of the parish, and deemed by the archdeacon to have been made with sufficient cause, the archdeacon shall convene an extraordinary meeting of the parochial church council or an extraordinary parochial church meeting, and shall either take the chair himself or shall appoint a chairman to preside. The chairman, not being otherwise entitled to attend such meeting, shall not be entitled to vote upon any resolution before the meeting. E

(2) In any case where the archdeacon is himself the minister, any representation under paragraph (1) of this rule shall be made to the bishop, and in any such case the references to the archdeacon in paragraph (1) of this rule shall be construed as references to the bishop, or to a person appointed by him to act on his behalf.

(3) Paragraphs (2) and (3) of rule [F188 22] shall apply in relation to an extraordinary parochial church meeting under this rule as they apply in relation to a special parochial church meeting under that rule with the modification that for the word “special” in [F188 paragraph (2) of that rule] there shall be substituted the word “extraordinary”.

Textual Amendments

F187 Sch. 3 rule 23 (originally 18A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21.

F188 Words in Sch. 3 rule 18A(3) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Part III E Deanery Synods

Membership E

[F189 24] (1) A deanery synod shall consist of a house of clergy and a house of laity. E

(2) The members of the house of clergy of a deanery synod shall consist of—

(a) the clerks in Holy Orders beneficed in or licensed to any parish in the deanery;

(b) any clerks in Holy Orders licensed to institutions in the deanery under the M22 Extra-Parochial Ministry Measure 1967;

(c) any clerical members of the General Synod or diocesan synod resident in the deanery;

F190 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F190 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F191 (d) such other clerks in Holy Orders holding the bishop’s licence to work throughout the diocese or in more than one deanery and resident in the deanery subject to any direction which may be given by the members of the House of Clergy of the bishop’s council that, having regard to the number of parochial and non-parochial clergy in the deanery, such clerk shall have membership of a specified deanery synod other than the deanery where he resides provided that no person shall thereby be a member of more than one deanery synod in the diocese.

(e) one or more retired clerks in Holy Orders who are in receipt of a pension in accordance with the provisions of the Clergy Pensions Measure 1961 at the relevant date.One clerk may be elected or chosen for every ten retired clerks or part thereof, elected or chosen in such manner as may be approved by the bishop by and from the retired clerks who are in receipt of such a pension, are resident in the deanery and do not hold the licence of the bishop.]

[F192 [F193 (3)] Where an extra parochial place is not in a deanery it shall be deemed for the pruposes of these rules to belong to the deanery which it abuts and if there is any doubt in the matter a determination shall be made by the bishop’s council and standing committee.]

[F194 [F193 (4)] For the purposes of [F195 paragraph [F196 (2)(e) of this rule]] the relevant date shall be the 31st December in the year immdiately preceding any eleciton of the parochial representatives of the laity, and as soon as possible after that date the rural dean of the deanery shall inform the bishop of the number of clerks in Holy Orders who are qualified for membership of the deanery synod by virtue of that sub-paragraph.]

[F197 [F193 (5)] Not later than 1st July following the election of parochial representatives of the laity to the deanery synod the secretary of the said synod shall send to the diocesan electoral registration officer appointed in accordance with rule [F198 29] a list of the names and addresses of the members of the house of clergy, specifying the class of membership, and shall keep the said officer informed of subsequent changes in membership.]

[F193 (6)] [F199 Subject to the provisions of rule [F200 1(4)]] the members of the house of laity of a deanery synod shall consist of [F201 the following persons, that is to say]—

(a) the parochial representatives elected to the synod by the annual meetings of the parishes of the deanery;

(b) any lay members of the General Synod [F202 a diocesan synod or an area synod constituted in accordance with section 17 of the M23 Dioceses Measure 1978] whose names are entered on the roll of any parish in the deanery;

[F203 (c) if in the opinion of the bishop of the diocese any community of persons in the deanery who are in the spiritual care of a chaplain licensed by the bishop should be represented in that house, one lay person, being an actual communicant member of the Church of England of eighteen years or upwards, chosen in such manner as may be approved by the bishop by and from among the members of that community]

F204 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F205 (d) the deaconesses and lay workers licensed by the bishop to work in any part of the deanery;

(e) such other deaconesses or lay workers holding the bishop’s licence to work throughout the diocese or in more than one deanery and resident in the deanery subject to any direction which may be given by the members of the House of Laity of the bishop’s council that, having regard to the number of deaconesses or lay workers in the deanery, such person shall have membership of a specified deanery synod other than the deanery where they reside provided that no person shall thereby be a member of more than one deanery synod in the diocese.]

[F193 (7)] The house of clergy and house of laity of a deanery synod may co-opt additional members of their respective houses, being clerks in Holy Orders or, as the case may be, lay persons who shall be actual communicant members of the Church of England of [F206 eighteen years or upwards]:

[F207 Provided that the number of members co-opted by either house shall not exceed five per cent. of the total number of members of that house or three, whichever is the greater.]

[F208 The names and addresses of co-opted members shall be sent by the secretary of the deanery synod to the diocesan electoral registration officer appointed in accordance with rule [F209 29].]

Textual Amendments

F189 Sch. 3 rule 24 (originally 19) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21.

F190 Sch. 3 rule 24(2)(d)(e) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21.

F191 Sch. 3 rule 24(2)(d)(e) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21.

F192 Rule 19(2A) inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 13(1).

F193 Sch. 3 rule 24(3)-(7) (originally (2A)-(4)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21.

F194 Rule 19(2A) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 5(2); renumbered 19(2B) by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 13(2).

F195 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 13(2).

F196 Words in Sch. 3 rule 24(4) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F197 Sch. 3 rule 19(2C) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 6(1).

F198 Words in Sch. 3 rule 24(5) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F199 Words inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 11(1)(a).

F200 Words in Sch. 3 rule 24(6) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F201 Words inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 11(1)(b).

F202 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 5(3).

F203 Rule 19(3)(c) inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 11(1)(c).

F204 Sch. 3 rule 19(3)(d) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 21.

F205 Sch. 3 rule 24(6)(d)(e) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para.22

F206 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 11(2).

F207 Rule 19(4) proviso substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 11(2).

F208 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 6(2).

F209 Words in Sch. 3 rule 24(7) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Marginal Citations

M22 1967 No. 2.

M23 1978 No. 1.

Election and choice of members E

[F210 25] (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F211 The parochial representatives of the laity elected by annual meetings shall be so elected every three years, and shall hold office for a term of three years beginning with the 1st June next following their election. E

(2) The numbers to be so elected from the several parishes shall be determined by resolution of the diocesan synod not later than the [F212 31st December] in the year preceding any such elections, and those numbers shall be related to the numbers of names on the rolls of the parishes as certified . . . F213 under rule 4 F214 . . . [F215 provided that such resolution shall not make it possible for a parish with fewer than 26 names on the roll to have more than one representative.]

(3) Not later than the 31st December in the year preceding any such elections, the secretary of the diocesan synod shall certify to the secretary of each parochial church council the number of such representatives to be elected at the annual meeting of the parish F216 . . . and shall send to the secretary of each deanery synod copies of the certificates and information relating to the parishes of the deanery.

[F217 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F211 Any person to be chosen as mentioned in rule [F218 [F219 24(2)(e)] or][F219 24(6)(c)] shall be so chosen every three years and shall hold office for a term of three years beginning with the 1st June next following the date on which he is so chosen.]

[F220 (5)] F221 . . . F222 [A direction by the appropriate members of the Bishop’s Council making provision under rule 24(2)(d) or 24(6)(e)]for the membership of the clerks in Holy Orders or the deaconesses or lay workers therein mentioned may provide for the choice by a class of such persons of some of their number to be members, and for the term of office of persons so chosen.

[F223 (6)] The diocesan synod shall exercise their powers under this and the last preceding rule so as to secure that the total number of members of any deanery synod in the diocese shall not be more than 150 and, so far as practicable, shall not be less than 50:

Provided that the maximum number of 150 may be exceeded for the purpose of securing that the house of laity is not less in number than the house of clergy.

[F224 For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the number 150 specified in this paragraph includes the maximum number of members who may be co-opted by each house.]

Textual Amendments

F210 Sch. 3 rule 25 (originally 20) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 23

F211 Words repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 14(1)

F212 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 12(1)

F213 Words repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 12(1)

F214 Words in Sch. 3 rule 25 para. (2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 23(a).

F215 Words in Sch. 3 rule 25 para. (2) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 23(a).

F216 Words in Sch. 3 rule 25 para. (3) omitted (1.1.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 6.

F217 Rule 20(4) added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 12(2)

F218 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 6

F219 Words in Sch. 3 rule 20(4) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F220 Rule 20(5) (originally 20(4)) re-numbered by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 12(3)

F221 Words in Sch. 3 rule 25 para. (5) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 23(b).

F222 Words in Sch. 3 rule 25 para. (5) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 23(b).

F223 Rule 20(6) (originally 20(5)) re-numbered by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 12(4)

F224 Para. added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 12(4)

20A E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F225

Textual Amendments

F225 Sch. 3 rule 20A repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 14(2)

Variation of Membership of Deanery Synods by Scheme E

[F226 26] (1) If it appears to the diocesan synod that the preceding rules in this Part relating to the membership of deanery synods ought to be varied to meet the special circumstances of the diocese or the deaneries and to secure better representation of clergy or laity or both on the deanery synods, they may make a scheme for such variation, and, if the scheme comes into operation under this rule, the said rules shall have effect subject to the scheme: E

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F227

(2) Copies of every such scheme must be sent to members of the diocesan synod at least fourteen days before the session at which they are considered, and every such scheme shall require the assent of the [F228 house of bishops and of a two-thirds majority of the members of each of the other houses] of the synod present and voting.

[F229 (3) A scheme approved by the diocesan synod as aforesaid shall be laid before the General Synod.

(4) If a member of the General Synod gives notice in accordance with the Standing Orders of that Synod that he wishes such a scheme to be debated, the scheme shall not come into operation unless it is approved by the General Synod.

(5) If no notice is given under paragraph (4) of this rule with respect to any such scheme, or such notice having been given, the scheme is approved by the General Synod, it shall come into operation on the day after the end of the group of sessions during which it was laid before, or approved by, the General Synod or on such date as may be specified in the scheme.]

Textual Amendments

F226 Sch. 3 rule 26 (originally 21) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 24.

F227 Rule 21(1) proviso repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 12(13).

F228 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 7.

F229 Rule 21(3)(4)(5) substiuted for rule 21(3) by S.I. 1980/178, para. 7.

Representation of Cathedral Clergy and Laity E

[F230 27] (1) Any diocesan synod may provide by scheme for the representation on such deanery synod as may be determined by or under the scheme—

(a) of the dean or provost, the residentiary canons and other ministers of the cathedral church of the diocese, or any of them; and

(b) of lay persons who

(i) in a parish church cathedral are on the electoral roll prepared under rule 1(1); or

(ii) in any other cathedral are declared by the dean to be habitual worshippers at the cathedral church of the diocese and whose names are not entered on the roll of any parish.

(2) [F231 The provisions of rule 21(2)] shall apply to schemes made under this rule.

Textual Amendments

F230 Sch. 3 rule 27 (originally 22) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 24.

F231 Words in Sch. 3 rule 27(2) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Procedure E

[F232 28] (1) The diocesan synod shall make rules for deanery synods which shall provide— E

(a) that the rural dean and a member of the house of laity elected by that house shall be joint chairmen of the deanery synod [F233 and that they shall agree between them who shall chair each meeting of the synod or particular items of business on the agenda of the synod.];

(b) that there shall be a secretary of the deanery synod;

(c) that a specified minimum number of meetings shall be held by the deanery synod in each year;

(d) that on such matters and in such circumstances as may be specified in the rules, voting shall be by houses, but that otherwise decisions shall be taken by a majority of the members of the synod present and voting;

(e) that there shall be a standing committee of the synod with such membership and functions as the rules may provide;

(f) that the synod shall prepare and circulate to all parochial church councils in the deanery a report of its proceedings;

and may provide for such other matters consistent with these rules as the diocesan synod think fit.

(2) Subject to any such rules, the deanery synod shall have power to determine its own procedure.

Textual Amendments

F232 Sch. 3 rule 28 (originally 23) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 24.

F233 Words inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 15.

[F234 Diocesan Electoral Registration Officer E

Textual Amendments

F234 Sch. 3 rule 23A inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 7.

[F235 29] [F236 (1)] In every diocese, there shall be a diocesan electoral registration officer who shall be appointed by the bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocesan synod and who shall record the names and addresses of all members of the House of Clergy and House of Laity of the deanery synods in the diocese in two registers (in these rules respectively referred to as “the register of clerical electors” and “the register of lay electors”); the members co-opted to the house shall be listed separately in the appropriate register. E

[F237 (2) The diocesan electoral registration officer shall not later than twenty one days before the nomination papers are circulated send a copy of the names and addresses of clerical electors and lay electors as recorded by him to the secretary of the deanery synod of which those electors are members and the secretary of the deanery synod shall within seven days of receipt certify in writing to the electoral registration officer that the names and addresses are correct or notify him in writing of any necessary corrections.

F237 (3) The diocesan electoral registration officer shall, not later than seven days before nomination papers are circulated, send a copy of the corrected names and addresses of electors to the appropriate presiding officer in the election.]]

Textual Amendments

F235 Sch. 3 rule 29 (originally 23A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 24.

F236 Sch. 3 rule 29 renumbered rule 29 para.(1)(1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 24.

F237 Sch. 3 rule 29 paras. (2)(3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 24.

Part IV E Diocesan Synods

Membership of Diocesan Synods E

[F238 30] (1) A diocesan synod shall consist of [F239 a house of bishops], a house of clergy and a house of laity. E

[F240 [F241 (2)] The members of the house of bishops shall consist of the bishop of the diocese, every suffragan bishop of the diocese and such other person or persons, being a person or persons in episcopal orders working in the diocese, as the bishop of the diocese, with the concurrence of the archbishop of the province, may nominate.

[F241 (3)] The bishop of the diocese shall be the president of the diocesan synod.]

[F241 (4)] The members of the house of clergy shall consist of—

(a) the following ex-officio members, that is to say:—

[F242 (i) any person or persons in episcopal orders nominated by the bishop of the diocese, other than a suffragan bishop or a person nominated under paragraph [F243 (2)] of this rule;]

(ii) the dean or provost of the cathedral (including in appropriate dioceses, the Dean of Westminster, the Dean of Windsor and the Deans of Jersey and Guernsey);

(iii) the archdeacons;

(iv) the proctors elected from the diocese or from any university in the diocese (the University of London being [F244 treated for this purpose as being] wholly in the diocese of London) to the Lower House of the Convocation of the Province F245 . . .;

[F246 (v) any other member of that House, being the person chosen by and from among the clerical members of religious communities in the Province, who resides in the diocese;]

[F247 (vi)] the chancellor of the diocese (if in Holy Orders); and

[F247 (vii)] the chairman of the diocesan board of finance [F248 and the chairman of the diocesan advisory committee](if in Holy Orders);

(b) members elected by the houses of clergy of the deanery synods in the diocese in accordance with the next following rules; and

(c) not more than five members (being clerks in Holy Orders) co-opted by the house of clergy of the diocesan synod.

[F241 (5)] The members of the house of laity shall consist of:—

(a) the following ex-officio members, that is to say:—

(i) the chancellor of the diocese (if not in Holy Orders);

(ii) the chairman of the diocesan board of finance [F248 and the chairman of the diocesan advisory committee](if not in Holy Orders);

(iii) the members elected from the diocese to the House of Laity of the General Synod F249 . . .;

[F250 (iv) any other member of that House, being [F251 an ex officio or co-opted member of the House of Laity of the General Synod or a] person chosen by and from among the lay members of religious communities in the Province, who resides in the diocese;]

(b) members elected by the houses of laity of the deanery synods in the diocese in accordance with the next following rules; and

(c) not more than five members co-opted by the house of laity of the diocesan synod, who shall be F252 . . . [F253 actual communicants]of age to vote at a Parliamentary election.

[F241 (6)] The bishop of the diocese may nominate ten additional members of the diocesan synod, who may be of the clergy or the laity and shall be members of the appropriate house. [F254 Except in regard to their appointment the nominated members shall have the same rights and be subject to the same rules as elected members. Where necessary the bishop’s council and standing committee shall designate the deanary synod of which the nominated member shall be a member and, where a nominated lay person is on more than one electoral roll, he shall choose the parochial council of which he is to be a member.]

[F255 F256 F241 (7)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F255 (7) No person shall be entitled to be a member of more than one diocesan synod at the same time except—

(a) the chancellor of the diocese;

(b) a suffragan bishop appointed to act as a provincial episcopal visitor for the purposes of the Episcopal Ministry Act of Synod 1993 who, in addition, to membership of the diocesan synod of the diocese of which he is suffragan, may be invited by the bishop of the diocese where he resides to be a member of that diocesan synod in accordance with paragraph (2) or paragraph (4)(a)(i) of this rule provided that he shall exercise his vote on a matter referred by the General Synod under Article 8 of the Constitution only in the diocesan synod of the diocese of which he is suffragan.]

[F257 (8) The registrar of the diocese and any deputy registrar of the diocesan synod shall be disqualified from standing for election to the diocesan synod or from being a nominated, co-opted or ex officio member of that synod.]

Textual Amendments

F238 Sch. 3 rule 30 (originally 24) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25.

F239 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 8(1)

F240 Rule 24(1A)(1B) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 8(1)

F241 Sch. 3 rule 24 paras. (2)-(7) (originally (1A)-(5)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, paras. 25(a), 63, Sch.

F242 Rule 24(2)(a)(i) substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 8(2)

F243 Words in Sch. 3 rule 24 para. (4) (originally (2)) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F244 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 14(2)

F245 Words in Sch. 3 rule 30 para. (4)(a)(iv) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25(c).

F246 Rule 24(2)(a)(v) inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 14(3)

F247 Rule 24(2)(a)(vi)(vii) (originally (a)(v)(vi)) re-numbered by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 14(3)

F248 Words in Sch. 3 rules 24(2)(a)(vii) and (3)(a)(ii) inserted (1.3.1993) by Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991 (No. 1, SIF 21:8), s. 32(1), Sch. 7 para. 4(b) (with s. 31(6)); Instrument dated 16.2.1993 made by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York

F249 Words in Sch. 3 rule 30 para. (5)(a)(iii) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25(c).

F250 Rule 24(3)(a)(iv) added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 14(4)

F251 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 16(1)

F252 Words in Sch. 3 rule 30 para. (5)(c) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25(b).

F253 Words in Sch. 3 rule 30 para. (5)(c) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25(b).

F254 Words inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 16(2)

F255 Sch. 3 Rule 30 para. (7) inserted (1.1.1996) by S.I. 1995/3243, para. 7.

F256 Sch. 3 Rule 30 para. (7) omitted (1.1.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 7.

F257 Sch. 3 rule 30 para. (8) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25(d).

Elections of Members of Diocesan Synods by Deanery Synods E

[F258 31] (1) The elections of members of the diocesan synod by the houses of clergy and laity of the deanery synods in the diocese shall take place every three years, and the members so elected shall hold office for a term [F259 of three years beginning with the 1st [F260 August] next following their election].

(2) Any clerk in Holy Orders who is a member of the deanery synod F261 . . . shall be qualified to be so elected by the house of clergy of a deanery synod, and the electors shall be [F262 those whose names and addresses are recorded in the register of clerical electors]. . . [F263 being the persons referred to in rule 24(2) and not including the persons co-opted to the deanery synod under rule 24(7)]:

Provided that no clerk shall stand for election by more than one deanery synod.

(3) [F264 Subject to the provisions of rule [F265 1(4)]] any lay person who is an actual communicant F266 . . . [F267 as defined in rule 54(1)]of [F268 eighteen years or upwards] and whose name is entered on the roll of any parish in the deanery or who is a lay person declared by the dean to be a habitual worshipper at the cathedral church of the diocese and to be associated with the deanery, shall be qualified to be so elected by the house of laity of a deanery synod, and the electors shall be [F269 those whose names and addresses are recorded in the register of lay electors] other than F266 . . ..[F270 persons co-opted to the deanery synod under rule 24(7)]

. . . F271

[F272 [F273 (4)] The qualifying date for electors under paragraphs (2) and (3) of this rule and when a casual vacancy is being filled shall be 6.00 a.m. on the date on which the nomination papers are issued.

[F273 (5)] The register of clerical electors and the register of lay electors shall be open to inspection at the diocesan office and any errors and omissions in the list may be corrected until the close of nominations. Thereafter no names may be added or removed until the declaration of the result of the election and those persons whose names are entered in the register shall be the qualified electors entitled to vote in that election.]

[F273 (6)] The diocesan synod shall, not later than the [F274 31st December] in the year preceding any such election determine the numbers of members to be so elected by the houses of the several deanery synods in the diocese, and the numbers shall—

(a) in the case of elections by the houses of clergy, be related to the numbers of members of those houses in the respective deanery synods;

(b) in the case of elections by the houses of laity, be related to the total numbers of names on the rolls of the parishes in the respective deaneries as certified . . . F275 under rule 4:

Provided that at least two members shall be elected by each house of every deanery synod.

F276 (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F277 (7) For the purpose of such determination by the diocesan synod, the secretary of every deanery synod shall, not later than the 1st June, certify to the secretary of the diocesan synod the number of members of the house of clergy of the synod as at the 30th April.]

[F273 (8)] The diocesan synod shall so exercise their powers under this rule as to secure that the number of members of the synod is not less than 150 and not more than 270 and that the numbers of the F278 . . . [F279 houses of clergy and laity] are approximately equal:

. . . F280

[F281 For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the [F282 number 270 specified in this paragraph includes] the maximum number of members who may be co-opted by each house or nominated by the bishop.]

[F273 (9)] Not later than the 31st December in each year preceding any such elections, the secretary of the diocesan synod shall certify to the secretary of every deanery synod the numbers determined under this rule for that deanery synod.

Textual Amendments

F258 Sch. 3 rule 31 (originally 25) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25.

F259 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(1)

F260 Word substituted by S.I. 1981/1650, para. 2

F261 Words in Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 25(e).

F262 Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1989/2094, para. 8(1)

F263 Words in Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (2) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para.25(e).

F264 Words inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(2)

F265 Words in Sch. 3 rule 25 para. (3) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F266 Words in Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (3) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 26.

F267 Words in Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 26.

F268 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(2)

F269 Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1989/2094, para. 8(2)

F270 Words in Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 26.

F271 Rule 25(3) proviso repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(2)

F272 Sch. 3 rule 25(3A)(3B) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 8(3)

F273 Sch. 3 rule 31 paras. (4)-(9) (originally (3A)-(7)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 26.

F274 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(3)

F275 Words repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(3)

F276 Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (7) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 27.

F277 Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (7) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 27.

F278 Words in Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (8) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 28.

F279 Words in Sch. 3 rule 31 para. (8) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para.28.

F280 Words repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 17(1)

F281 Para. added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(4)

F282 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 17(2)

[F283 32] [F284 (1) Elections of members of the diocesan synod by the houses of the deanery synods shall be completed by the 15th day of July, the period and dates of the election being fixed by the bishop of the diocese and communicated to the secretaries of the deanery synods.

(2) The bishop shall appoint the presiding officers for the elections by the houses of the deanery synods, provided that no person shall be appointed as a presiding officer for an election by a house F285 . . .of which he is a member. The expenses of elections shall be paid out of diocesan funds.

[F286 (3)] The diocesan electoral registration officer shall furnish the presiding officer with the names and addresses of the qualified electors and the presiding officer shall ensure that the persons qualified to nominate and vote in elections to the diocesan synod, and only such persons, shall be sent or given nomination and voting papers in respect of the said election at the address entered against their names in the register of electors.]

[F286 (4)] Every candidate must be nominated and seconded by a qualified elector. A notice in the form set out in section 5 of Appendix I indicating the number of seats to be filled and inviting nominations shall be dispatched to every elector by the presiding officer . . . F287 Nominations in the form set out in section 6 of Appendix I shall be F288 . . . [F289 delivered either by post, by facsimile transmission or in person to the presiding officer of the area within such period, being a period of not less than fourteen days ending on a date specified by the presiding officer, provided that where a nomination paper has been sent by facsimile transmission the name of the candidate shall not appear on the voting paper unless the original nomination paper has been received by the presiding officer within three days of the closing date for nominations.The nomination form shall be accompanied by a statement signed by the candidate stating his willingness to serve if elected and, if he so desires, setting out in not more than 100 words a factual statement for circulation with the voting papers of the candidate’s professional qualifications, present office and any relevant past experience.]

[F286 F290 (5)] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F291 (5) It shall be the duty of the presiding officer—

(a) to scrutinise nomination papers as soon as they have been lodged and shall, without delay, inform the candidate concerned whether the nomination is valid.Where the nomination is invalid the presiding officer shall give his reasons for so ruling and if, by the close of the nomination period, no valid nomination is received, the candidate shall be excluded from the election;

(b) to supply free of charge to a duly nominated candidate in the election one copy of the names and addresses of the qualified electors within seven days of receiving his written request.]

[F286 (6)] If more candidates are nominated than there are seats to be filled the names of the candidates nominated shall be circulated on a voting paper in the form set out [F292 either in section 7 or in section 8 of Appendix I to every qualified elector. The diocesan synod shall, not later than the 31st December in each year preceding any such election as is referred to in rule [F293 31], [F294 make a determination as to which form of voting paper is to be used by the deaneries in that election, and that] determination shall apply to any election to fill a casual vacancy which occurs during the next ensuing three years.]

[F286 (7)] The voting paper marked and [F295 , on the reverse thereof, signed by the elector and with his full name written.] shall be returnable to the presiding officer within such period not being less than 14 days as he shall specify . . . F296 No vote shall be counted if given on a voting paper not in accordance with this paragraph.

[F286 (8)] Where [F297 voting papers in the form set out in section 7 of Appendix I have been used and] owing to an equality of votes an election is not decided, the decision between the persons for whom the equal numbers of votes have been cast shall be taken by lot by the presiding officer.

[F298 [F286 (9)] Where voting papers in the form set out in section 8 of Appendix I are used, the election shall be conducted under rules, with the necessary modifications, made by the General Synod under rule [F299 39(7)] and for the time being in force.]

[F300 [F286 (10)]] A return of the result of the election shall be sent by the presiding officer to the secretary of the diocesan synod and a statement of the result shall be sent by [F301 the presiding officer] to every candidate not later than the 1st [F302 August] in each election year.

Textual Amendments

F283 Sch. 3 rule 32 (originally 26) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 29.

F284 Sch. 3 rule 26(1)(2)(2A) substituted for paras. (1) and (2) by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 9(1)

F285 Sch. 3 rule 32 para. (2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 29.

F286 Sch. 3 rule 32 paras. (3)-(10) (originally (2A)-(8)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 29.

F287 Words repealed by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 9(2)

F288 Words in Sch. 3 rule 32 para. (4) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 30.

F289 Words in Sch. 3 rule 32 para. (4) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 30.

F290 Sch. 3 rule 32 para. (5) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para.31.

F291 Sch. 3 rule 32 para. (5) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 31.

F292 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 9(1)

F293 Words in Sch. 3 rule 26 para. (4) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F294 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 18(3)

F295 Words substituted by S.I. 1981/1650, para. 18(4)

F296 Words repealed by S.I. 1980/178, para. 9(2)

F297 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 9(3)

F298 Rule 26(7) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 9(4)

F299 Words in Sch. 3 rule 26 para. (7) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F300 Rule 26(8) (originally 26(7)) renumbered by S.I. 1980/178, para. 9(5)

F301 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 15(5)

F302 Word substituted by S.I. 1981/1650, para. 3(3)

Variation of Membership of Diocesan Synods by Scheme E

[F303 33] (1) If it appears to the diocesan synod that the preceding rules in this Part relating to the membership of diocesan synods ought to be varied to meet the special circumstances of the diocese and to secure better representation of clergy or laity or both on the diocesan synod, they may make a scheme for such variation, and if the scheme comes into operation in accordance with the provisions hereinafter applied, the said rules shall have effect subject to the scheme: E

. . . F304

(2) Paragraphs (2) [F305 to (5)] of rule [F306 26] shall apply to schemes under this rule as it applies to schemes under that rule.

Textual Amendments

F303 Sch. 3 rule 33 (originally 27) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 32

F304 Rule 27(1) proviso repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 16

F305 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 10

F306 Sch. 3 rule 27 para. (2) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Procedure of Diocesan Synods E

[F307 34] (1) The diocesan synod shall make standing orders which shall provide— E

(a) that the bishop need not be chairman of its meetings if and to the extent that standing orders otherwise provide;

(b) that there shall be a secretary of the diocesan synod;

(c) that a specified minimum number of meetings being [F308 in the case of a diocese in which area synods have been constituted in accordance with section 17 of the M24 Dioceses Measure 1978, not less than one, and in the case of any other diocese] not less than two shall be held in each year;

(d) that a meeting of the diocesan synod shall be held if not less than a specified number of members of the synod so request;

(e) that subject to the [F309 three] next following sub-paragraphs, nothing shall be deemed to have the assent of the diocesan synod unless the three [F310 houses] which constitute the synod have assented thereto [F311 but that if in the case of a particular question [F312 (except a matter referred to the diocesan synod by the General Synod under the provisions of Article 8 of the Constitution) the diocesan bishop] (if present) so directs, that question shall be deemed to have the assent of the house of bishops only if the majority of the members of that house who assent thereto includes [F312 the diocesan bishop];

(f) that questions relating only to the conduct of business shall be decided by the votes of all the members of the diocesan synod present and voting, . . . F313

[F314 (g) that every other question shall be decided by the votes of all the members of the diocesan synod present and voting, the assent of the three Houses being presumed, unless the diocesan bishop (if present) requires or any ten members require that a separate vote of each House be taken.]

[F315 (h)] that if the votes of the houses of clergy and laity are in favour of any matter referred to the diocesan synod by the General Synod under the provisions of Article 8 of Schedule 2 to this Measure, that matter shall be deemed to have been approved for the purposes of the said Article;

[F316 (i)] that where there is an equal division of votes in the house of bishops, [F317 the diocesan bishop] shall have a second or casting vote;

[F316 (j)] that [F318 the diocesan bishop] shall have a right to require that his opinion on any question shall be recorded in the minutes;]

[F319 (k)] that there shall be a bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocesan synod with such membership as may be provided by standing orders and with the functions exercisable by it under section 4(4) of the Measure and such other functions as may be provided by the standing orders or by these rules or by any Measure or Canon;

and may contain such further provisions consistent with these rules as the diocesan synod shall consider appropriate.

[F320 (2) No person shall be entitled to serve as a member of more than one bishop’s council and standing committee at the same time.]

[F321 (3)] The registrar of the diocese shall be the registrar of the diocesan synod, and may appoint a deputy.

Textual Amendments

F307 Sch. 3 rule 34 (originally 28) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 32.

F308 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 11(1)

F309 Word substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(1)

F310 Word substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 11(2)

F311 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 11(2)

F312 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(1)

F313 Words repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(2)

F314 Rule 28(1)(g) inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(3)

F315 Rule 28(1)(h) (originally 28(1)(g) relettered by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(4)

F316 Rule 28(1)(h)(i) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 11(4); relettered 28(1)(i)(j) by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(4)

F317 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(4)

F318 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 19(5)

F319 Rule 28(1)(k) (originally 28(1)(h)) relettered by S.I. 1980/178, para. 11(5) and 1984/1039, para. 19(4)

F320 Rule 28(2) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 11(5)

F321 Rule 28(3) (originally 28(2)) renumbered by S.I. 1980/178, para. 11(6)

Marginal Citations

M24 1978 No. 1 (21:3).

Part V E House of Laity of General Synod

[F322 35] (1) The House of Laity of the General Synod shall consist of— E

(a) the members elected by the diocesan electors of each diocese as hereinafter provided;

(b) [F323 three members, two from the Province of Canterbury and one from the Province of York], chosen by the lay members of religious communities from among their number in such manner as may be provided by a resolution of the General Synod;

(c) such ex-officio and co-opted members as are hereinafter provided.

[F324 [F325 (2)] For the purposes of this Part of these rules the diocese in Europe shall be deemed to be a diocese in the province of Canterbury.]

[F325 (3)] For the purposes of this Part of these rules, the diocesan electors of a diocese [F326 other than the diocese in Europe] shall be the members of the houses of laity of all the deanery synods in the diocese other than F327 . . .:

[F328 (a) persons co-opted to the deanery synod under rule 24(7); or

(b) persons who are lay members of a religious community with separate representation in the General Synod under paragraph (1)(b) of this rule.]

. . . F329

[F330 [F325 (4)] The diocesan electors of the diocese in Europe shall be such number of persons elected by the annual meetings of the chaplaincies in the said diocese as may be determined by the bishop’s council and standing committee of the said diocese, and any lay person who is:

(a) an actual communicant F331 . . . [F332 as defined in rule 54(1)].

(b) of eighteen years or upwards, and

(c) a person whose name is entered on the electoral roll of such a chaplaincy,

shall be qualified for election as a diocesan elector by the annual meeting of that chaplaincy.]

[F333 [F325 (5)] The qualifying date for lay members of religious communities under paragraph (1)(b) of this rule and for diocesan electors under paragraphs [F334 (3) and (4)] of this rule shall be 6.00 a.m. on the date of the dissolution of the General Synod, save that when a casual vacancy is being filled, the qualifying date shall be 6.00 a.m. on the date on which the nomination papers are issued.

[F325 (6)] The register of lay electors shall be open to inspection at the diocesan office and any errors and omissions in the list may be corrected until the close of nominations. Thereafter no names may be added or removed until the declaration of the result of the election and those persons whose names are entered in the register shall be the qualified electors entitled to vote in that election.]

Textual Amendments

F322 Sch. 3 rule 35 (originally 29) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 32.

F323 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 20

F324 Rule 29(1A) inserted by Diocese in Europe Measure 1980 (No. 2, SIF 21:1), Sch. 2 para. 1(1)

F325 Sch. 3 rule 35 paras. (2)-(6) (originally (1A)-(5)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 32.

F326 Words inserted by Diocese in Europe Measure 1980 (No. 2, SIF 21:1), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)

F327 Words in Sch. 3 rule 35 para. (3) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 32.

F328 Sch. 3 rule 35 para. (3)(a)(b) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 32.

F329 Rule 29(2) proviso repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 17

F330 Rule 29(3) inserted by Diocese in Europe Measure 1980 (No. 2, SIF 21:1), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)

F331 Words in Sch. 3 rule 35 para. (4)(a) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 33.

F332 Words in Sch. 3 rule 35 para. (4)(a) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 33.

F333 Sch. 3 rule 29(4)(5) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 10

F334 Words in Sch. 3 rule 29 para. (4) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Elections of Members Number of Elected Members E

[F335 36] [F336 (1) The total number of members directly elected and specially elected from the dioceses in the Province shall not exceed one hundred and seventy for Canterbury and eighty for York and no diocese shall have fewer than three directly elected members (except the diocese in Europe which shall elect two members, and the diocese of Sodor and Man which shall elect one member). Ex officio and co-opted members (as defined in rule [F337 42]) shall be additional to the said total number. In this rule the term “specially elected” means the representatives of the religious communities referred to in rule [F337 35(1)] and the representatives of the Channel Islands elected in accordance with the Channel Islands (Representation) Measure 1931 and such persons shall be included in the said total number. E

[F338 (2)] The total number of members to be elected by the diocesan electors of all the dioceses shall be fixed by resolution of the General Synod not later than the last day of November in the fourth year after the last preceding election of the house of Laity (but subject as hereinafter provided), and the resolution shall apportion the number so fixed to the Provinces of Canterbury and York in a proportion of sixty eight to thirty two or as nearly as possible thereto and shall divide the number among the dioceses so that the number of members to be elected by the several dioceses are as nearly as possible proportionate to the total number of names certified for them under the following paragraph.]

[F338 (3)] The secretary of each diocesan synod shall, not later than the first day of August in the fourth year after the last preceding election of the House of Laity, certify to the secretary of the General Synod the total number of names on the rolls of the parishes of the diocese . . . F339

[F338 (4)] The number of members of the House of Laity to be elected by each diocese, when fixed by the General Synod as aforesaid, shall forthwith be certified to the secretaries of the diocesan synods.

[F338 (5)] If the General Synod is at any time dissolved before the fourth year after the last preceding election of the House of Laity or before the fixing of numbers under this rule by the General Synod during that year, the General Synod or the Presidents thereof may give directions with respect to the fixing and certifying of the numbers of members to be elected to the House of Laity by each diocese, and the directions may provide that the numbers so fixed and certified on the last previous occasion shall be deemed to have been fixed and certified for the purpose of the election following the dissolution, and the directions may, if the dissolution is known to be impending, be given before it occurs.

Textual Amendments

F335 Sch. 3 rule 36 (originally 30) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 34.

F336 Rule 30(1)(1A) substituted for rule 30(1) by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 21

F337 Words in Sch. 3 rule 30 para. (1) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F338 Sch. 3 rule 36 paras. (2)-(5) (originally (1A)-(4)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 34(a).

F339 Words repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 18

Qualification of Elected Members E

[F340 37] [F341 (1) Subject to the provisions of rule 1(3) and of F342 . . . [F343 paragraph (2)] of this rule, a lay person shall be qualified for election for any diocese by the diocesan electors of the diocese if—

(a) he is an actual communicant F344 . . . [F345 as defined in rule 54(1)],

(b) he is of eighteen years of age on the date of the dissolution of the General Synod;

(c) his name is at 6.00 a.m. on the date of dissolution of the General Synod entered on the roll of any parish in the diocese or who at any time within the period of two months beginning one month immediately before that date is declared by the dean of the cathedral church to be a habitual worshipper at that cathedral church.]

F346 (1A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F347 [F348 (2)] A person shall be disqualified from being nominated for election as a member of the General Synod if he holds any paid office or employment appointment to which is or may be made or confirmed by the General Synod, the Convocations, the Central Board of Finance, the Chucrch Commissioners for England (except that such disqualification shall not apply to any Commissioner so appointed in receipt of a salary or other emoluments), the Church of England Pensions Board or the Corporation of the Church House.]

[F349 [F350 (3)] Where a diocese is divided into two or more areas in accordance with rule [F351 38(2)], any person who under this rule is qualified for election for the diocese shall be qualified for election for any such area whether or not the parish on whose roll his name is entered, or the cathedral church at which he is a habitual worshipper, is situated in that area, but no person shall be nominated for more than one such area at the same time.]

Textual Amendments

F340 Sch. 3 rule 37 (originally 31) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 34.

F341 Rule 31(1) substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 22(1)

F342 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37 para. 1 omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 34(b).

F343 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37 para. (1) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 34(b).

F344 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37 para. (1)(a) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 34(b).

F345 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37 para. (1)(a) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 34(b).

F346 Sch. 3 rule 37 para. (1A) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 35.

F347 Rule 31(1B) inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 22(3)

F348 Sch. 3 rule 37 para. (2) (originally (1B)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, paras. 35, 63, Sch.

F349 Rule 31(2) inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 19(3)

F350 Sch. 3 rule 37 para. (3) (originally (2)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118 para. 35

F351 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37 para. (2) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Electoral Areas E

[F352 38] (1) Subject to any division of a diocese under this rule every diocese shall be an electoral area for the purposes of elections to the House of Laity. E

(2) So far as is consistent with any rule made under the Standing Orders of the General Synod under [F353 rule 39(8)][F354 and subject to paragraph (3) of this rule] a diocesan synod may, for the purposes of any election, divide a diocese into two or more areas, and apportion the number of members of the House of Laity to be elected for the diocese among such areas, and the election shall be conducted in each area as if such area were a separate diocese. Where a diocese is so divided, a diocesan elector who is a representative of the laity shall vote in the area to which the body by which he was elected belongs, and a diocesan elector who is not a representative of the laity shall vote in such area as the diocesan synod may decide. Any such division shall remain in force until it is revoked by the diocesan synod.

[F355 (3) If a diocesan synod decides to divide the diocese into two or more areas in pursuance of this rule the division shall be made in such manner that the number of members to be elected in any such area will be not less than three.]

Textual Amendments

F352 Sch. 3 rule 38 (originally 32) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 36.

F353 Words in Sch. 3 rule 38 para. (2) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F354 Words inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 21(1).

F355 Rule 32(3) added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 20(1).

Conduct of Elections E

[F356 39] (1) Subject to any directions by the General Synod or the Presidents thereof, elections to the House of Laity shall be carried out during the three months immediately following any dissolution of the General Synod and shall be so carried out in each each diocese during such period within the said three months as shall be fixed by the archbishops of Canterbury and York.

(2) The presiding officer in each diocese or each area of a diocese shall be the registrar of the diocese or a person appointed by him [F357 with the approval of the registrar of the province], except that, if the said registrar is a candidate in the election, the presiding officer shall be a person appointed by the registrar of the province. The expenses of the elections shall be paid out of diocesan funds.

F358 (2A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F359 (3) On receipt of the names and addresses of the qualified electors from the diocesan electoral registration officer the presiding officer shall ensure that in respect of the election—

(i) those persons are sent or given nomination papers; and

(ii) only such persons are sent or given voting papers at the address entered against their names in the register of electors.

The presiding officer shall also send nomination papers to any other person who requests them.]

F360 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F360 (3A) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F360 (3B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F360 (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F360 (5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F360 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F361 (4) Every candidate must be nominated and seconded by diocesan electors qualified to vote in the area in which the candidate is seeking to be elected. All nominations shall be in writing, shall include the year of the candidate’s birth and shall be delivered either by post, by facsimile transmission or in person to the presiding officer of the area, together with evidence of the candidate’s consent to serve, within such period, being a period of not less than twenty-eight days ending on a date specified by the presiding officer, provided that where a nomination paper has been sent by facsimile transmission the name of the candidate shall not appear on the voting paper unless the original nomination paper has been received by the presiding officer within three days of the closing date for nominations.

(5) It shall be the duty of the presiding officer—

(a) to scrutinise nomination papers as soon as they have been lodged and he shall, without delay, inform the candidate concerned whether the nomination is valid.Where the nomination is invalid the presiding officer shall give his reasons for so ruling and if, by the close of the nomination period, no valid nomination is received, the candidate shall be excluded from the election;

(b) to supply free of charge to a duly nominated candidate in the election one copy of the names and addresses of the qualified electors within seven days of receiving his written request.

(6) If any of the candidates so request the presiding officer shall despatch to every elector election addresses from those candidates being not more than one sheet of A4 paper. Sufficient copies of the addresses shall be provided by the candidates at their own expense and be delivered to the presiding officer by such date as he shall determine being not less than seven days after the close of nominations. The presiding officer shall be under no obligation to despatch to electors election addresses which are received after the due date or which are not in the prescribed form.

(7) It shall be the duty of the presiding officer in any election under these rules to seek to ensure that during the period beginning with the date on which nominations are invited and ending on the last date for the return of voting papers, no papers or other literature except election addresses prepared by the candidates under paragraph 6 of this rule shall be circulated to the electors by him or by or under authority of the diocesan synod or the deanery synod or distributed at a synod meeting which in his opinion are likely to prejudice the election. The rural dean and the lay chairman and secretary of the deanery synod shall also be under a duty to seek to ensure that during the election period no papers or other literature form part of an official circulation or are distributed at a synod meeting which in the opinion of any of them are likely to prejudice the election.

(8) Subject to rule 51, if more candidates are nominated for any area than there are seats to be filled, the election shall be conducted by voting papers by the method of the single transferable vote under rules to be made from time to time as provided by the Standing Orders of the General Synod.Every voting paper, which shall include the year of birth of each candidate, shall be marked and signed on the reverse thereof by the elector and shall be returnable to the presiding officer within such period, being a period of not less than twenty-one days after the date on which the voting paper is issued, as that officer may specify, provided that a voting paper sent by facscimile transmission shall not be counted as a valid vote.

(9) A candidate or a person nominated by him has the right to be present at the counting of the votes in order to scrutinise the count but shall take no part in it. The presiding officer shall give not less than seven days notice in writing to each candidate of the time and place at which the votes are to be counted.

(10) Where within seven days of a count being completed the presiding officer is of the opinion that a recount should take place because of a possible irregularity or inaccuracy in the count, he may, with the concurrence of the registrar of the province, order such a recount and shall give notice in writing to each candidate of the time and place at which the votes are to be recounted.

(11) A full return of the result of any election and of the result sheet shall be sent by the presiding officer within four working days of the declaration of the result to every candidate in the election and to the Secretary General of the General Synod who shall cause it to be examined by an election scrutineer appointed by the Standing Committee of the General Synod. The scrutineer shall have power within ten days of the declaration of the result to order a recount of the voting papers if in his opinion this might be material to the result of the election.

(12) The result sheet shall be publicly displayed in the diocesan office in such manner as the bishop may approve and at the General Synod office until the end of the first group of sessions of the new Synod as the Secretary General may direct.]

[F362 [F363 (13)] The presiding officer in each area shall ensure that the valid voting papers received by him for the purposes of any election to the House of Laity are preserved for a period of not less than two years beginning with the date of the election.]

Textual Amendments

F356 Sch. 3 rule 39 (originally 33) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 36.

F357 Words inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 20(1).

F358 Sch. 3 rule 39 para. (2A) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 36.

F359 Sch. 3 rule 39 para. (3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para.36.

F360 Sch. 3 rule 39 paras. (3)-(6B) expressed to be omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 37.

F361 Sch. 3 rule 39 paras. (4)-(12) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 37.

F362 Rule 33(7) added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 21(5).

F363 Sch. 3 rule 39 para. (13) (originally (7)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 37.

[F364 [F365 40] (1) Rules defining the duties to be undertaken by the presiding officers in connection with elections to the House of Laity shall be prepared by the provincial registrars acting jointly, but no such rules shall have effect unless approved by the Standing Committee of the General Synod.

(2) A presiding officer shall be entitled to such fees for the performance by him of the duties aforesaid as may be specified in any order for the time being in force made under F366 . . . [F367 the Ecclesiastical Fees Measure 1986]; and where with the prior agreement in writing of the bishop’s council and standing committee the presiding officer or any other person performs any other duties in connection with elections to the House of Laity he shall be entitled to such fees as may be specified in the agreement.]

Textual Amendments

F364 Rule 33A added by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 22

F365 Sch. 3 rule 40 (originally 33A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

F366 Words in Sch. 3 rule 40 para. (2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

F367 Words in Sch. 3 rule 40 para. (2) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

F368 . . . [F369 Term of Office of membership of General Synod and other bodies] E

Textual Amendments

F368 Sch. 3 rule 41 title omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

F369 Words in Sch. 3 rule 41 title inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

[F370 41] E The term of office of elected members of the House of Laity and of members chosen by the lay members of religious communities shall be for the lifetime of the General Synod for which they are elected or chosen, but without prejudice to their acting under Article 3(4) of the Constitution during the period of the dissolution of the General Synod F371 . . . [F372 or to their continuing to be]ex-officio members of other bodies constituted under these rules during that period.

Textual Amendments

F370 Sch. 3 rule 41 (originally 34) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

F371 Words in Sch. 3 rule 41 omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

F372 Words in Sch. 3 rule 41 inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 38.

Ex-officio and Co-opted Members of the House of Laity E

[F373 42] (1) The following persons, if they are not in Holy Orders, shall be ex-officio members of the House of Laity;—

(a) the Dean of the Arches and Auditor;

[F374 (b) the Vicar-General of the Province of Canterbury;]

[F375 (c)] the Vicar-General of the Province of York;

[F375 (d)] the three Church Estate Commissioners;

[F375 (e)] the Chairman of the Central Board of Finance.

[F376 (f) the Chairman of the Church of England Pensions Board.]

(2) The House of Laity shall have power to co-opt persons who are F377 . . . [F378 actual lay communicants]of [F379 eighteen years or upwards] to be members of the House of Laity:

Provided that:—

(a) the co-opted members shall not at any time exceed five in number; and,

(b) no person shall be qualified to become a co-opted member unless not less than two-thirds of the members of the Standing Committee of the House of Laity shall have first consented to his being co-opted, either at a meeting of the Standing Committee or in writing.

(3) Except in regard to their appointment, the ex-officio and co-opted members shall have the same rights and be subject to the same rules and regulations as elected members:

. . . F380

[F381 Where such members are on more than one electoral roll, they shall choose the parochial church of which they are to be a member.]

(4) Co-opted members shall continue to be members of the House of Laity until the next dissolution of the General Synod, but without prejudice to their acting under Article 3(4) of the Constitution during the period of the dissolution [F382 or to their continuing to be ex-officio members of other bodies constituted under these rules during that period:]

Provided that the House of Laity may, in the case of any co-opted member, fix a shorter period of membership.

(5) The House of Laity may make standing orders for regulating the procedure of and incidental to the appointment of co-opted members and otherwise for carrying this rule into effect.

Textual Amendments

F373 Sch. 3 rule 42 (originally 35) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 39.

F374 Rule 35(1)(b) inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 23(1).

F375 Rule 35(1)(c)(d)(e) (originally (1)(b)(c)(d)) re-lettered by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 23(1).

F376 Sch. 3 rule 42 para. (1)(f) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 39(a).

F377 Words in Sch. 3 rule 42 para. (2) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 39(b).

F378 Words in Sch. 3 rule 42 para. (2) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 39(b).

F379 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 23(2).

F380 Rule 35(3) proviso repealed by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 24.

F381 Words inserted by S.I. 1983/1039, para. 24.

F382 Words in Sch. 3 rule 42 para. (4) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 40.

Part VI E Appeals and Disqualifications

[F383 Enrolment Appeal] E

Textual Amendments

F383 Sch. 3 rules 36–36B substituted for rule 36 by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 12

[F384 43] (1) There shall be a right of appeal with regard to—

(a) any enrolment, or refusal of enrolment, on the roll of a parish or the registers of lay or clerical electors;

(b) the removal of any name, or the refusal to remove any name, from the roll of a parish or the registers of lay or clerical electors.

(2) The following persons shall have a right of appeal under this rule—

(a) a person who is refused enrolment on the roll or register;

(b) a person whose name is removed from the roll or register; or

(c) any person whose name is entered on the roll or register who wishes to object to the enrolment or removal of the name of any other person on that roll or register.

(3) In an appeal concerning the roll of a parish, notice of the appeal shall be given in writing to the lay chairman of the deanery synod and in an appeal concerning the register of lay or clerical electors notice of the appeal shall be given in writing to the Chairman of the House of Laity or the Chairman of the House of Clergy of the diocesan synod as the case may be.

(4) Notice of appeal shall be given not later than fourteen days after the date of enrolment, removal or refusal or if the appeal arises on the revision of the roll or register or the preparation of a new roll or register, not later than fourteen days after the first publication of the revised or new roll or register.

(5) In any appeal arising under this rule the chairman of the House concerned of the Diocesan Synod or the lay chairman of the deanery synod, as the case may be, shall within fourteen days refer any appeal to the bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocese unless within that period the appellant withdraws the appeal in writing. The said bishop’s council shall appoint three or a greater number being an odd number of their lay members or clerical members as the case may be to consider and decide the appeal.

Textual Amendments

F384 Sch. 3 rule 43 (originally 36) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 41.

[F385 Election Appeals] E

Textual Amendments

F385 Sch. 3 rules 36–36B substituted for rule 36 by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 12

[F386 44] (1) There shall be a right of appeal with regard to—

(a) the allowance or disallowance of any vote given or tendered in an election of a churchwarden or in an election under these rules or to a body constituted under or in accordance with these rules;

(b) the result of any election of a churchwarden or of any election or choice held or made or purporting to be held or made under these rules, or any election or choice of members of a body constituted under or in accordance with these rules.

(2) The following persons shall have a right of appeal under this rule—

(a) an elector in the said election;

(b) a candidate in the said election; or

(c) the chairman of the House of Laity or of the House of Clergy of the diocesan synod or, in an election to the House of Laity of the General Synod, the chairman and vice-chairman of that House of Laity F387 . . . [F388 as specified in paragraph (5) of this rule.].

(3) The provisions of this rule (except paragraph [F389 (6) of this rule]), insofar as they confer a right of appeal by any person referred to in paragraph (2) above against the result of an election and provide for notice of an appeal and the determination thereof, shall apply in relation to an election to the House of Laity of the General Synod by the diocesan electors of the diocese in Europe.

(4) [F390 Subject to paragraph (6) of this rule]in the case of an appeal arising out of an election to the House of Laity of the General Synod or the diocesan synod notice of the appeal shall be given in writing to the chairman of the House of Laity of the diocesan synod. In any other case concerning the laity, notice of the appeal shall be given in writing to the lay chairman of the deanery synod. Notices under this paragraph shall be given:

(a) in the case of an appeal against the allowance or disallowance of a vote, not later than fourteen days after such allowance or disallowance;

(b) in the case of an appeal against the result of an election or choice, not later than fourteen days after the result thereof has been announced by the presiding officer.

[F391 (5) The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the House of Laity of the General Synod shall each have a right of appeal under this rule in accordance with paragraph (1) of this rule in respect of any election to the House of Laity of the General Synod in either of the Provinces of Canterbury and York and he shall give notice in writing of such appeal to the presiding officer concerned not later than three months after the result of the election has been declared by the said presiding officer. Provided that if the office of Chairman or Vice-Chairman is vacant when the result of the election is published the person who last held office shall be deemed to hold that office for the purposes of this rule.]

[F392 (6)] An error in the electoral roll or the registers of clerical or lay electors shall not be a ground of appeal against the result of any election unless—

(a) either it has been determined under this rule that there has been such an error or the question is awaiting determination under rule [F393 43]; and

(b) the error would or might be material to the result of the election;

and the allowance or disallowance of a vote shall not be a ground of appeal against the result of an election unless the allowance or disallowance would or might be material to the result of the election.

[F392 (7)] An error in the electoral roll of a chaplaincy or in the register of lay electors in the diocese in Europe shall not be a ground of appeal against the result of an election to the House of Laity of the General Synod by the diocesan electors of that diocese unless—

(a) either it has been determined under the rule which applies in that diocese and corresponds with rule [F394 43]that there has been such an error or the question is awaiting determination under that rule; and

(b) the error would or might be material to the result of that election;

and the allowance or disallowance of a vote shall not be a ground of appeal against the result of such an election unless the allowance or disallowance would or might be material to the result of the election.

[F392 (8)] An appeal arising out of an election or choice of members of the House of Laity of the General Synod shall within the period of fourteen days of the appeal being lodged, be referred to the Standing Committee of the General Synod unless within that period the appellant withdraws the appeal in writing. Subject to paragraph [F395 (9) of this rule], the said Standing Committee shall appoint three or a greater number, being an odd number, from an appeal panel consisting of the lay members of the said Standing Committee and such of the Dean of the Arches and Auditor, the Vicar General of the Province of Canterbury and the Vicar General of the Province of York as are not in Holy Orders to consider and decide the appeal.

[F392 (9)] Where the chairman or vice-chairman of the House of Laity has given notice of appeal F396 . . . [F397 under paragraph (5) of this rule or where he or] a member of the Standing Committee comes from the diocese to which the appeal relates, he shall not be appointed to hear the appeal.

[F392 (10)] In any appeal arising under this rule except an appeal arising out of an election to the House of Laity of the General Synod, the Chairman of the House of Laity of the diocesan synod or the lay chairman of the deanery synod, as the case may be, shall refer any appeal to the bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocese [F398 who shall appoint three or a greater number, being an odd number, of their lay members to consider and decide the appeal.].

[F392 (11)] In any appeal arising under this rule to the House of Clergy of the diocesan synod the Chairman of the House of Clergy of the said synod shall refer any appeal to the bishop’s council and standing committee of the diocese who shall appoint three or a greater number, being an odd number, of their clerical members to consider and decide the appeal.

[F399 (12) Where an appeal is pending under this rule in respect of an election to any synod any person who was declared elected in accordance with rule 33 but whose election is or may be affected by the appeal shall for all purposes be deemed to be a member of that Synod until the appeal is heard and disposed of.]

Textual Amendments

F386 Sch. 3 rule 44 (originally 36A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 41.

F387 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44 para. (2)(c) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 41.

F388 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44 para. (2)(c) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 41.

F389 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44(3) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F390 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44 para. (4) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 42.

F391 Sch. 3 rule 44 para.(5) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 43.

F392 Sch. 3 rule 44 paras. (6)-(11) (originally (5)-(10)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 43.

F393 Figure in Sch. 3 rule 44(6) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F394 Figure in Sch. 3 rule 44(7) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F395 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44(8) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F396 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44 para. (9) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 44.

F397 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44 para. (9) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 44.

F398 Words in Sch. 3 rule 44 para. (10) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 45.

F399 Sch. 3 rule 44 para. (12) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 46.

[F400 [F401 45] For the purpose of the consideration and decision of any appeal under rules [F402 43 and 44], the persons appointed to consider and decide the appeal—

(a) shall consider all the relevant circumstances and shall be entitled to inspect all documents and papers relating to the subject matter of the appeal and be furnished with all information respecting the same which they may require;

(b) shall give to the parties to the appeal an opportunity of appearing before them in person or through a legal or other representative;

(c) shall have power at any time to extend the time within which a notice of appeal is given;

(d) shall, unless by consent of the persons appointed the appeal is withdrawn, determine the matter at issue and, in an election appeal shall determine whether—

(i) the person or persons whose election is complained of was or were duly elected;

(ii) the facts complained of amount to a minor infringement of the rules which did not affect the outcome of the election in which event the appeal shall be dismissed; or

(iii) the election was void. The determination so certified shall be final as to the matters at issue and, in any case in which there has been no valid election, the members shall direct a fresh election to be held and shall give such directions in connection therewith as they may think necessary;

(e) shall have power at any time to consent to the withdrawal of the appeal by an appellant subject to a determination in respect of costs in accordance with paragraph [F403 (f) of this rule];

(f) shall have power to direct that any party to an appeal shall be entitled to payment of costs by any other party or by the diocesan board of finance and to direct that a party shall be responsible for the reasonable expenses of the persons appointed to hear the appeal; save that in so far as the same have not been paid by any other person, the diocesan board of finance shall pay all expenses of the persons appointed to hear the appeal provided that the said board shall first be satisfied that they are reasonable in amount.]

Textual Amendments

F400 Sch. 3 rules 36–36B substituted for rule 36 by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 12

F401 Sch. 3 rule 45 (originally 36B) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 47.

F402 Words in Sch. 3 rule 45 amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F403 Words in Sch. 3 rule 45(e) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Vacation of Seat by Member ceasing to be Qualified for Election E

[F404 46] [F405 (1)] Where—

(a) any lay member of a deanery synod, being a parochial representative or a representative under rule [F406 27], ceases to be entered on the roll of the parish by which he was elected or, as the case may be, to be declared under the said rule to be a habitual worshipper at the cathedral church;

(b) any member of a diocesan synod elected by the house of clergy of a deanery synod ceases to be qualified for election by that house;

(c) any lay member of a diocesan synod elected by the house of laity of a deanery synod ceases to have the qualification of entry on the roll of any parish in that deanery or (in appropriate cases) of being declared a habitual worshipper at the cathedral church of the diocese under rule [F406 27];

(d) any elected member of the House of Laity of the General Synod ceases to have the qualification of entry on the roll of any parish in the diocese for which he was elected or of being declared a habitual worshipper as aforesaid;

[F407 (e) any elected member of the House of Laity of the General Synod takes any paid office or employment as provided by rule [F408 37(2)];]

[F409 (f) any member of a diocesan synod or of the House of Laity of the General Synod has his election declared void in accordance with the provision of rule [F410 45].]

his seat shall [F411 subject to the following provisions of this rule] forthwith be vacated:

. . . F412

[F413 (2) If the name of a person to whom paragraph 1(a) of this rule applies is entered on the roll of any parish in the diocese other than that of the parish [F414 referred to in that paragraph] or if he is declared under rule [F414 27] to be a habitual worshipper at the cathedral church of the diocese, his seat shall not be vacated under this rule if, before the vacancy occurs, the parochial church council so resolve.

(3) If a person to whom paragraph (1)(b) of this rule applies continues to work or reside in the diocese, his seat shall not be vacated under this rule if, before the vacancy occurs, the clerical members of the standing committee of the deanery synod so resolve.

(4) If the name of a person to whom paragraph (1)(c) of this rule applies is entered on the roll of any parish in the diocese other than that of the parish [F415 referred to in that paragraph] or if he is declared uner rule [F415 27] to be a habitual worshipper at the cathedral church of the diocese, his seat shall not be vacated under this rule if, before the vacancy occurs, the lay members of the standing committee of the deanery synod so resolve.]

[F416 (5) If [F417 the lay members of] the bishop’s council and standing committee has determined [F417 before the vacancy occurs] that a person to whom paragraph (1)(d) of this rule applies [F418 is able and willing to continue to discharge to their satisfaction the duties of a member of the House of Laity elected for that diocese,], [F419 neither his seat as a member of that House nor his seat as a lay member of the diocesan synod shall] be vacated under this rule.]

[F420 (6) This rule shall apply in relation to a member of the House of Laity of the General Synod elected for the diocese in Europe with the substitution for the words in paragraph (1)(d) from “roll” to “aforesaid” of the words “electoral roll of any chaplaincy in that diocese”].

Textual Amendments

F404 Sch. 3 rule 46 (originally 37) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 47.

F405 “(1)” inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 25(1).

F406 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37(1)(a)(c) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F407 Rule 37(1)(e) inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 26(1).

F408 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37(1)(e) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F409 Sch. 3 rule 37(1)(f) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 13(1).

F410 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37(1)(f) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F411 Words inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 25(2).

F412 Rule 37(1) proviso repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 25(1).

F413 Rule 37(2)–(4) substituted for rule 37(2)(3) by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 26(2).

F414 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37(2) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F415 Words in Sch. 3 rule 37(4) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F416 Rule 37(5) (originally 37(4) substituted for proviso by S.I. 1973/185, para. 25(2)) renumbered by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 26(2).

F417 Words inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 26(3).

F418 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 13(2).

F419 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 15.

F420 Rule 37(5) inserted by Diocese in Europe Measure 1980 (No. 2, SIF 21:1), Sch. 2 para. 5; renumbered 37(6) by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 26(2).

Valid from 01/01/2000

[F421 46A (a) A person shall be disqualified from being nominated, chosen or elected or from serving as a churchwarden, a member of a parochial church council, a district church council or any synod under these rules if he is disqualified from being a charity trustee under section 72(1) of the Charities Act 1993 and the disqualification is not for the time being subject to a general waiver by the Charity Commissioners under subsection (4) of that section or to a waiver by them under that subsection in respect of all ecclesiastical charities established for purposes relating to the parish concerned. E

In this paragraph “ecclesiastical charity" has the same meaning as that assigned to that expression in the Local Government Act 1894;

(b) A person shall also be disqualified from being nominated, chosen or elected or from serving as a churchwarden or member of a parochial church council if he has been so disqualified from holding office under section 10(6) of the Incumbents (Vacation of Benefices) Measure 1997;

(c) A person shall be disqualified from being nominated for election or from continuing to serve as a member of the General Synod if he holds or takes any paid office or employment appointment to which is or may be made or confirmed by the General Synod, the Convocations, the Archbishops’ Council, the Central Board of Finance, the Church Commissioners for England (except that such disqualification shall not apply to any Commissioner so appointed in receipt of a salary or other emoluments), the Church of England Pensions Board or the Corporation of the Church House.]

Textual Amendments

F421 Sch. 3 rule 46A inserted (1.1.2000) by The Church Representation Rules (Amendment) Resolution 1999 (S.I. 1999/2112), paras. 18, 24(3)

Ex-Officio Membership not to Disqualify for Election E

[F422 47] E No . . . F423 person shall be disqualified from being elected or chosen a member of any body under these rules by the fact that he is also a member ex-officio of that body; and no . . . F423 person shall be deemed to vacate his seat as such an elected or chosen member of any body by reason only of the fact that subsequently to his election or choice he has become a member of that body ex-officio.

Textual Amendments

F422 Sch. 3 rule 47 (originally 38) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 47.

F423 Word repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 26

Part VII E Supplementary and Interpretation

Casual Vacancies E

[F424 48] [F425 [F426 (1) Casual vacancies among the parochial representatives elected to the parochial church council or deanery synod shall be filled as soon as practicable after the vacancy has occurred. Where the annual parochial church meeting is not due to be held within the next two months following the occurrence of the vacancy, a vacancy among the parochial representatives elected to the parochial church council may be filled, and a vacancy among the parochial representatives elected to the deanery synod shall be filled, by the election by the parochial church council of a person qualified to be so elected. Returns of parochial representatives of the laity elected to fill one or more casual vacancies on the deanery synod shall be sent by the secretary of the parochial church council to the diocesan electoral registration officer and to the Secretary of the deanery synod.]

(2) Where a casual vacancy among the members of a diocesan synod elected by either house of a deanery synod occurs, the vacancy may be filled by the election by that house of a person qualified to be so elected, and a meeting of the members of that house who are electors may be held for that purpose.

(3) Subject to paragraphs (1), (2) and (6) of this rule, casual vacancies among persons elected under these rules shall be filled [F427 and elections to fill such casual vacancies shall be] conducted in the same manner as ordinary elections. [F428 The qualifying date for diocesan electors shall be determined in accordance with rule 35(5).]

(4) Elections to fill casual vacancies shall, where possible, be held at such times as will enable all casual vacancies among representatives of the laity who are electors to be filled at the time of every election to the House of Laity of the General Synod, but no such election shall be invalid by reason of any casual vacancies not having been so filled.]

[F429 (5) (a) Subject to the provisions of this rule, an election to fill a casual vacancy in the House of Laity shall be completed, so far as possible, within six months from the occurrence of the vacancy and, in the event of the vacancy not being filled within that period, the Chairman of the House of Laity of the General Synod may give directions to the presiding officer as to the date by which the vacancy must be filled.

(b) Where a casual vacancy occurs in the House of Laity of the General Synod and the period for holding a general election to that House is due to begin within twelve months of the vacancy, the vacancy shall not be filled unless the lay members of the bishop’s council and standing committee, acting in accordance with any directions of the diocesan synod, otherwise direct.

(c) Where a casual vacancy in the House of Laity of the General Synod occurs within the period of two years—

(i) beginning with 1st August in the year of the last general election to that House, or

(ii) beginning with the date of the declaration of the result of an election to fill a casual vacancy where the election was conducted by voting papers in the same manner as a general election;]

. . . [F430 the election to fill the casual vacancy shall be conducted by those papers in accordance with paragraph (6) of this rule.].

[F431 (6)] [F432 F433 . . . [F434 Where an election is to]be conducted by the voting papers of the previous election,] the presiding officer for the area in question shall ask every candidate not elected in the preceding election who is still qualified for election for the diocese in question if he consents to serve. If there is only one such candidate and he so consents or only one of those candidates so consents he shall be elected to fill the casual vacancy. If two or more of those candidates so consent the votes validly cast in the preceding election shall be recounted from the beginning in accordance with the rules mentioned in rule [F435 39(8)].

[F436 Provided that no continuing candidate elected during the original count shall be excluded.]

[F437 (7) An election to fill a casual vacancy in either house of the diocesan synod shall be completed [F438 so far as possible] within six months from the occurrence of the vacancy, provided that where a casual vacancy occurs in either house and the period for holding a general election to that house is due to begin within nine months of the vacancy, the vacancy shall not be filled unless the members of the bishop’s council and standing committee who are from the same house otherwise direct.]

[F439 (8)] The preceding provisions of this rule shall apply, so far as applicable and with the necessary modifications, to the choosing of persons under these rules as it applies to the election of persons thereunder, and shall also apply to the election or choosing of members of any body constituted under or in accordance with these rules.

[F439 (9)] Any person elected to fill a casual vacancy shall hold office only for the unexpired portion of the term of office of the person in whose place he is elected or chosen.

F440 (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F441 [F442 (11)] In calculating the period of six months referred to in paragraphs (5) and (7) of this rule—

(a) where during the course of an election irregularities are found which are of such a kind that the presiding officer is of the opinion that he should declare the proceedings null and void, he shall so declare and shall notify all electors of the declaration and shall cause a fresh election to be held which shall be completed within the period of six months from the date of the notice to the electors of the fresh election;

(b) where in an appeal a determination is made that there has been no valid election and the presiding officer is directed to hold a fresh election, the period of six months shall run from the date of such direction.

[F442 (12)] In this rule the expression “casual vacancy” includes the case where insufficient candidates have been nominated to fill the places available.]

Textual Amendments

F424 Sch. 3 rule 48 (originally 39) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 47.

F425 Rule 39(1)—(4) substituted for Rule 39(1) by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 27(1).

F426 Sch. 3 rule 39(1) substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 14(1).

F427 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 14(2).

F428 Words in Sch. 3 rule 48 para. (3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 47.

F429 Sch. 3 rule 39(5) substituted for paras. (5)(6) by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 14(3).

F430 Words in Sch. 3 rule 48 para. (5)(c) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 48.

F431 Sch. 3 rule 39(7) renumbered (6) by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 14(4).

F432 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 14(4).

F433 Words in Sch. 3 rule 48 para. (6) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 49.

F434 Words in Sch. 3 rule 48 para. (6) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 49.

F435 Words in Sch. 3 rule 48(6) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F436 Words inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 27(4).

F437 Sch. 3 rule 39(7) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 14(5).

F438 Words in Sch. 3 rule 48 para. (7) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 50.

F439 Rule 39(8)(9) (originally 39(3)(4)) re-numbered by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 27(4).

F440 Sch. 3 rule 48 para. (10) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 50.

F441 Sch. 3 rule 39 paras. (11)(12) inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 14(7).

F442 Sch. 3 rule 48 paras. (10)-(11) (originally (11)-(12)) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 50.

Resignations E

[F443 [F444 49] E Any person holding any office under these rules or being a member of any body constituted by or under these rules may resign his office or membership by notice in writing signed by him and sent or given to the secretary of the body of which he is an officer or member, as the case may be; and his resignation shall take effect on the date specified in the notice or, if no date is so specified, on the receipt of the notice by the secretary of that body.]

Textual Amendments

F443 Rule 40 substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 28

F444 Sch. 3 rule 49 (originally 40) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

Notices E

[F445 50] E Any notice or other document required or authorised to be sent or given under these rules shall be deemed to have been duly sent or given if sent through the post addressed to the person to whom it is required or authorised to be sent or given at that person’s last known address.

Textual Amendments

F445 Sch. 3 rule 50 (originally 41) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

[F446 Constraints in Elections E

Textual Amendments

F446 Sch. 3 rule 41A inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 15

[F447 51] (1) If in any election conducted in accordance with these rules it is a requirement that a given number or not less than a given number of places of those elected shall be filled by candidates of a named category, the presiding officer shall follow the procedure set out in paragraphs (2) to (4) of this rule. E

(2) The presiding officer shall examine the nomination papers to ascertain if the number of candidates nominated in any named category is less than or equal to the required given number.

(3) If the number of candidates nominated in any named category is less than or equal to the required given number, those candidates shall be declared to be elected and their names shall not be included on the voting paper and thereafter the requirement shall be disregarded and the election shall proceed with the number of seats to be filled being reduced by the number of persons declared elected.

(4) The presiding officer shall circulate with the voting papers a separate notice giving the names of any who have been declared elected in accordance with paragraph [F448 (3) of this rule].]

Textual Amendments

F447 Sch. 3 rule 51 (originally 41A) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

F448 Words in Sch. 3 rule 51(4) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

Revocation and Variation of Rules, etc. E

[F449 52] E Subject to the provisions of these rules any power conferred by these rules to make, approve, frame, pass or adopt any rule, order, resolution, determination, decision, appointment or scheme, or to give any consent or settle any constitution, or to prescribe the manner of doing anything, shall be construed as including a power, exercisable in a like manner and subject to the like conditions, to revoke or vary any such rule, order, resolution, determination, decision, appointment, scheme, consent or constitution, or anything so prescribed.

Textual Amendments

F449 Sch. 3 rule 52 (originally 42) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

Special Provisions E

[F450 53] (1) In the carrying out of these rules in any diocese the bishop of such diocese shall have power:— E

(a) to make provision for any matter not herein provided for;

(b) to appoint a person to do any act in respect of which there has been any neglect or default on the part of any person or body charged with any duty under these rules;

(c) so far as may be necessary for the purpose of giving effect to the intention of these rules, to extend or alter the time for holding any meeting or election or to modify the procedure laid down by these rules in connection therewith [F451 provided that such power shall not be exercised in relation to the conduct of the elections referred to in Rules [F452 39 and 48] of these Rules;]

[F453 (d) [F454 Subject to [F455 paragraph (1)(c) of this rule]] in any case in which any difficulties arise, to give any directions which he may consider expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulties.]

(2) The powers of the bishop under this rule shall not enable him:—

(a) to validate anything that was invalid at the time when it was done;

(b) to give any direction that is contrary to any resolution of the General Synod.

(3) No proceedings of any body constituted under these rules shall be invalidated by any vacancy in the membership of that body or by any defect in the qualification, election or appointment of any members thereof.

(4) No proceedings shall be invalidated by the use of a form which differs from that prescribed by these rules if the form which has in fact been used is to a substantially similar effect. Any question as to whether the form which has been used is to a substantially similar effect shall be determined by the bishop.

(5) In the case of an omission in any parish to prepare or maintain a roll or form or maintain a council or to hold the annual meeting, the rural dean upon such omission being brought to his notice shall ascertain and report to the bishop the cause thereof.

[F456 (6) During a vacancy in an archbishopric or where by reason of illness an archbishop is unable to exercise his functions under these rules or to appoint a commissary under paragraph (10) of this rule the functions of an archbishop under these rules shall be exercisable by the other archbishop.

(7) During a vacancy in a diocesan bishopric the functions of a diocesan bishop under these rules, including his functions as [F457 president of] the diocesan synod, shall be exercisable by such person, being a person in episcopal orders, as the archbishop of the province may appoint.

(8) Where by reason of illness a diocesan bishop is unable to exercise his functions under these rules or to appoint a commissary under paragraph (10) of this rule, the archbishop of the province may, if he thinks it necessary or expedient to do so, appoint a person in episcopal orders to exercise the functions mentioned in paragraph (7) of this rule during the period of the bishop’s illness.

(9) If a person appointed in pursuance of paragraph (7) or (8) of this rule becomes unable by reason of illness to act under the appointment, the archbishop may revoke the appointment and make a fresh one.

(10) An archbishop or diocesan bishop may appoint a commissary and delegate to him all or any of the functions of the archbishop or bishop under these rules, but if a bishop proposes to delegate to a commissary his functions as [F457 president of] the diocesan synod he shall appoint a person in episcopal orders as commissary.

(11) If a person appointed in pursuance of paragraph (7) or (8) of this rule, or a person to whom the functions of a bishop as [F458 president of the diocesan synod are delegated under paragraph [F459 (10) of this rule]], is a member of the house of clergy of the diocesan synod, his membership of that house shall be suspended during the period for which the appointment or delegation has effect.].

[F460 (12) The preceding provisions of this rule shall have effect in the diocese in Europe as if the references to such of these rules as apply in that diocese, and subject to paragraph (6) of the rule, the powers of an archbishop under this rule shall, as respects that diocese, be exercisable by the Archbishop of Canterbury.]

Textual Amendments

F450 Sch. 3 rule 53 (originally 43) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

F451 Words inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 28

F452 Words in Sch. 3 rule 53(1)(c) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F453 Sch. 3 rule 43(1)(d) omitted and para. (e) renumbered (d) as provided by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 16(1)(2)

F454 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 16(1)(2)

F455 Words in Sch. 3 rule 53(1)(d) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F456 Rule 43(6)—(11) substituted for rule 43(6)(7) by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 29

F457 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 16(1)

F458 Words substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 16(2)

F459 Words in Sch. 3 rule 43(11) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F460 Rule 43(12) inserted by Diocese in Europe Measure 1980 (No. 2, SIF 21:1), Sch. 2 para. 7

Meaning of Minister, Parish and other words and phrases E

[F461 54] (1) In these rules:—

• F462 . . .

• F462 . . .

• [F463 “actual communicant” means a person who has received Communion according to the use of the church of England or of a Church in communion with the Church of England at least three times during the twelve months preceding the date of his election or appointment being a person whose name is on the roll of a parish and is either—

  (a)

  confirmed or ready and desirous of being confirmed; or

  (b)

  receiving the Holy Communion in accordance with the provisions of Canon B 15A paragraph 1(b)]

• [F464 ’auditor’ shall mean a person eligible as the auditor of a charity under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 F465 ;

• ’independent examiner’ shall mean a person as defined in Section 43(3)(a) of the Charities Act 1993;]

  • “the Measure” means the Synodical Government Measure 1969;

  • “minister” means:—

  (a)

  the incumbent of a parish;

  (b)

  a curate licensed to the charge of a parish or a minister acting as priest-in-charge of a parish in respect of which rights of presentation are suspended; and

  (c)

  a vicar in a team ministry to the extent that the duties of a minister are assigned to him by a F466 . . . [F467 pastoral scheme or order]or his license from the bishop;

  • “parish” means:—

  (a)

  an ecclesiastical parish; and

  (b)

  a district which is constituted a “conventional district” for the cure of souls . . . F468 .

  (c)

  [F469 in relation to the Diocese in Europe, a chaplaincy which is constituted as part of the diocese.]

  • “public worship” means public worship according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England.

(2) Any reference in these rules to the laity shall be construed as a reference to persons other than Clerks in Holy Orders, and the expression “lay” in these rules shall be construed accordingly.

[F470 (3) Where a person has executed a deed of relinquishment under the M25 Clerical Disabilities Act 1870 and the deed has been enrolled in the High Court and recorded in the registry of a diocese under that Act then, unless and until the vacation of the enrolment of the deed is recorded in such a registry under the M26 Clerical Disabilities Act 1870 (Amendment) Measure 1934, that person shall be deemed not to be a clerk in Holy Orders for the purpose of paragraph [F471 (2) of this rule] or of any other provision of these rules which refers to such a clerk.]

[F472 (4)] References in these rules to the cathedral church of the diocese shall include, in the case of the dioceses of London and Oxford, references to Westminster Abbey and St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, respectively.

[F472 (5)] If any question arises . . . F473 whether a Church is a . . . F473 Church in communion with the Church of England, it shall be conclusively determined for the purposes of these rules by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

[F472 (6)] In these rules words importing residence include residence of a regular nature but do not include residence of a casual nature.

[F472 (7)] Any reference herein to “these rules” shall be construed as including a reference to Appendices hereto.

[F474 (8) (a) In these rules any matters or regulations to be prescribed shall be prescribed by the Standing Committee of the General Synod in accordance with the following procedure.

(b) Any matters or regulations made under this rule shall be laid before the General Synod and shall not come into force until they have been approved by the General Synod, whether with or without amendment.

(c) Where the Standing Committee determines that matters or regulations made under this rule do not need to be debated by the General Synod then, unless—

(i) notice is given by a member of the General Synod in accordance with Standing Orders that he wishes the business to be debated, or

(ii) notice is so given by any such member that he wishes to move an amendment to the business,

the matters or regulations shall for the purposes of sub-paragraph (b) above be deemed to have been approved by the General Synod without amendment.]

Textual Amendments

F461 Sch. 3 rule 54 (originally 44) renumbered (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

F462 Sch. 3 rule 54 para. (1): Definitions of “actual communicant member of the Church of England” and “actual communicant member of a Church in communion with the Church of England” omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51(a).

F463 Sch. 3 rule 54 para. (1): Definition of “actual communicant” inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51(a).

F464 Sch. 3 rule 54 para. (1): Definitions of “auditor” and “independent examiner” inserted (1.5.1996) by S.I. 1995/3243, para. 8.

F465 1993 c.10.

F466 Sch. 3 rule 54 para. (1): Words in definition of “minister” omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

F467 Sch. 3 rule 54 para. (1): Words in definition of “minister” inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

F468 Words repealed by S.I. 1980/178, para. 17(1)

F469 Sch. 3 rule 54 para. (1): para. (c) in definition of “parish” inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51(b).

F470 Rule 44(3) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 17(2)

F471 Words in Sch. 3 rule 54(3) amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F472 Rule 44(4)—(7) (originally 44(3)—(6)) renumbered by S.I. 1980/178, para. 17(3)

F473 Words repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 30(2)

F474 Sch. 3 Rule 54 para. (8) inserted (1.5.1996) by S.I. 1995/3243, para. 9.

Marginal Citations

M25 1870 c.91 (21:5).

M26 1934 No. 1 (21:5).

APPENDIX I E

section 1 E

F475 APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT ON CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLE E

Textual Amendments

F475 Sch. 3 Appendix 1 s. 1 substituted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 52

SECTION 2 E FORM OF NOTICE OF REVISION OF CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL

Diocese of

Parish of

*NOTE—The Revision must be completed not less than 15 days or more than 28 days before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

Notice is hereby given that the Church Electoral Roll of the above parish will be revised by the Parochial Church Council,* beginning on the day of 19 and ending on , the day of 19 After such Revision, a copy of the Roll will forthwith be exhibited [F476 for not less than 14 days] on, or near to, the principal door of the Parish Church for inspection.

Textual Amendments

F476 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(1)

F477 . . .

Textual Amendments

F477 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 2: Paragraph beginning “Under the Church Representation Rules” omitted (1.1.1995) by vitue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 53.

[F478 Under the Church Representation Rules any persons are entitled to have their names entered on the roll, if they—

Textual Amendments

F478 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 2: Paragraph beginning “Under the Church Representation Rules” inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 53.

(i) are baptized and aged 16 or over;

(ii) have signed a form of application for enrolment;

and either

(iii) are members of the Church of England or of any Church in communion with the Church of England being resident in the parish or (not being resident in the parish) having habitually attended public worship in the parish during the six months prior to the application for enrolment; or;

(iv) are members in good standing of a Church (not in communion with the Church of England) which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity declaring themselves to be also members of the Church of England and having habitually attended public worship in the parish during the period of six months prior to enrolment.]

. . . F479

Textual Amendments

F479 Words repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 32(b)

[F480 Forms of application for enrolment can be obtained from the undersigned. In order to be entitled to attend the annual parochial church meeting and to take part in its proceedings, forms of application for enrolment must be returned by the date shown above for the ending of the revision of the Church Electoral Roll by the Parochial Church Council.]

Textual Amendments

F480 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(2)

Any error discovered in the Roll should at once be reported to the undersigned.

*Not less than 14 days notice must be given.	Dated this*........................ day of.................... 19.....
	[F481 Church]Electoral Roll Officer
	Address

Textual Amendments

F481 Word inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 32(c)

[F482 In this Notice “parish” means an ecclesiastical parish.]

Textual Amendments

F482 Note inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 29(2)

SECTION 3 E FORM OF NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF NEW ROLL

Diocese of

Parish of

*NOTE—The new roll must be completed not less than 15 days or more than 28 days before the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.	Notice is hereby given that under the Church Representation Rules a new Church Electoral Roll is being prepared. All persons who wish to have their names entered on the new Roll, whether their names are entered on the present Roll or not, are requested to apply for enrolment . . . F483 not later than
	The new roll will come into operation on
	[F484 The new Roll shall be published for not less than 14 days. Forms of application for enrolment can be obtained from the undersigned. In order to be entitled to attend the annual parochial church meeting and to take part in its proceedings, forms of application for enrolment must be returned by the earlier of the dates given above.]

Textual Amendments

F483 Words repealed by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(3)

F484 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(4)

F485 . . .

Textual Amendments

F485 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 3: Paragraph beginning “Under the Church Representation Rules” omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 53.

[F486 Under the Church Representation Rules any persons are entitled to have their names entered on the roll, if they—

Textual Amendments

F486 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 3: Paragraph beginning “Under the Church Representation Rules” inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 53.

(i) are baptized and aged 16 or over;

(ii) have signed a form of application for enrolment;

and either

(iii) are members of the Church of England or of any Church in communion with the Church of England being resident in the parish or (not being resident in the parish) having habitually attended public worship in the parish during the six months prior to the application for enrolment; or;

(iv) are members in good standing of a Church (not in communion with the Church of England) which subscribes to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity declaring themselves to be also members of the Church of England and having habitually attended public worship in the parish during the period of six months prior to enrolment.]

. . . F487

Textual Amendments

F487 Words repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 32(b)

Any error discovered on the Roll should at once be reported to the undersigned.

Dated this.......................day of 19.....

[F488 Church]Electoral Roll Officer

Textual Amendments

F488 Word inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 32(c)

Address

[F489 In this Notice “parish” means an ecclesiastical parish.]

Textual Amendments

F489 Note inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 29(2)

SECTION 4 E NOTICE OF ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Parish of

The Annual Parochial Church Meeting will be held in

on day of

at

For the election of Parochial representatives of the laity as follows:—

[F490 *To the Deanery Synod representatives.]

Textual Amendments

F490 Entries transferred by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 33(2)

[F490 To the Parochial Church Council representatives.]

F491 . . . [F492 For the appointment of Sidesmen].

Textual Amendments

F491 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4: Words omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 54.

F492 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4: Words inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 54.

For the consideration of:—

F493 (a). . .

[F494 (a) A report on changes in the Roll since the last annual parochial church meeting.]

F495 (b). . .

F495 (c). . .

F495 (d). . .

F495 (e). . .

Textual Amendments

F493 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4 para. (a) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 55.

F494 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4 para. (a) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 55.

F495 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4 paras. (b)-(e) omitted (1.5.1996) by virtue of S.I. 1995/3243, para. 11.

[F496 (b) an Annual Report on the proceedings of the parochial church council and the activities of the parish generally;

Textual Amendments

F496 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4 paras. (b)(c) inserted (1.5.1996) by S.I. 1995/3243, para. 11.

F496 (c) The Financial Statements of the Council for the year ending on the 31st December immediately preceding the meeting audited or independently examined.]

[F497 (d)] A Report upon the fabric, goods and ornaments of the church or churches of the parish;

Textual Amendments

F497 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4 paras. (d)(e) (originally (f)(g)) renumbered (1.5.1996) by S.I. 1995/3243, para. 11.

[F497 (e)] A Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod; and other matters of parochial or general Church interest.

[F498 Notes]

Textual Amendments

F498 Words in Sch. 3 Appendix I S. 4 inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 55.

[F499 (1)]All persons whose names are entered upon the Church Electoral Roll of the parish (and such persons only) are entitled to vote at the election of parochial representatives of the laity.

Textual Amendments

F499 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4: paragraph beginning “All persons” numbered (1.1.1995) as (1) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 55.

F500 . . .

Textual Amendments

F500 Para. repealed by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 33(3)

F501 . . .

Textual Amendments

F501 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4: Paragraphs beginning “Subject to” omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 56.

F501 . . .

F502 . . .

Textual Amendments

F502 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4: Paragraph beginning “Any person” omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 56.

[F503 (2) Subject to the pvovisions of rule 12(2)(c), a person is qualified to be a parochial representative of the laity if—:

Textual Amendments

F503 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4: paras. (2)(3) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 56.

(a) his name is entered on the church electoral roll of the parish;

(b) he is an actual communicant which means that he has received Communion according to the use of the Church of England or of a Church in communion with the Church of England at least three times during the twelve months preceding the date of the election; and

(c) he is of eighteen years or upwards (for election to the deanery synod) or of sixteen years or upwards (for election to the parochial church council).

(3) Any person whose name is on the electoral roll may be appointed as a sidesman.]

[F504 [F505 (4)]]** A scheme is in operation in this parish which provides that any person entitled to vote in the elections of parochial representatives of the laity to the parochial church council or to the deanery synod or to both that council and that synod may make application on the appropriate form to the undersigned for a postal vote. The completed form must be received before the commencement of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

Textual Amendments

F504 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(5)

F505 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 4: Paragraph beginning “A scheme” numbered (1.1.1995) as (4) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 56.

** This paragraph should be deleted if no scheme for postal voting is in operation in the parish.

Signed

**Minister of the parish

**Include where applicable.

**Or “Vice-Chairman of the Parochial Church Council” as the case may be (see rule 6(3) of the Church Representation Rules).

[F506 In this Notice “parish” means an ecclesiastical parish.]

Textual Amendments

F506 Note inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 29(2)

[F507 SECTION 4A E APPLICATION FOR A POSTAL VOTE

Textual Amendments

F507 Section 4A inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(6)

Parish of

I (Full Christian name and surname)

of (Full postal address)

declare that my name is entered on the church electoral roll of the above parish and I hereby make application for a postal vote in any elections to which postal voting applies to be held at the forthcoming annual parochial church meeting for the parish. The voting paper should be sent or delivered to me at the above address OR *at the following address

Dated ............................19

Signed

*delete as appropriate]

SECTION 5 E NOTICE OF ELECTION TO HOUSE OF CLERGY OR HOUSE OF LAITY OF DIOCESAN SYNOD

Diocese of

Deanery of

1 E An election of......... members of the House of Clergy/Laity of the Diocesan Synod will be held in the above Deanery on

2 E Candidates must be nominated and seconded by qualified electors on forms to be obtained from

[F508 All members, other than co-opted members F509 . . ., of the House of Clergy/Laity of the deanery synod are qualified electors.]

Textual Amendments

F508 Para. inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 34

F509 Words in Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 5 para. 2 omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 51.

[F510 3 E The election will be decided by simple majority/ [F511 the single transferable vote.]]

Textual Amendments

F510 S. 5(3) inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 18(4)

F511 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 29(3)

[F512 4] E Nominations must be received by no later than 12 o’clock (noon) on

Date

Presiding Officer.

Textual Amendments

F512 S. 5(4) (originally 5(3)) renumbered by S.I. 1980/178, para. 18(4)

SECTION 6 E FORM OF NOMINATION TO THE HOUSE OF CLERGY OR HOUSE OF LAITY OF THE DIOCESAN SYNOD

Diocese of

Deanery of

Election of members of the House of Clergy/Laity of the Diocesan Synod

We the undersigned, being qualified electors, hereby nominate the following person as a candidate at the election in the above Deanery.

Surname	[F513 Christian Names]	Address . . . F514	[F515 Year for Birth]

Textual Amendments

F513 Words substituted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 35

F514 Words repealed by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(7)

F515 Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 6: Column headed “Year for Birth” inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 58.

Proposer’s signature

Proposer’s full name

Address

Seconder’s signature

Seconder’s full name

Address

I, the above named hereby signify my willingness to serve as a member of the House of Clergy/Laity of the Diocesan Synod if elected.

Candidate’s signature

Note: This nomination must be sent to

so as to be received no later than 12 noon on

[F516 All members, other than co-opted members F517 . . ., of the House of Clergy/Laity of the deanery synod are qualified electors]

Textual Amendments

F516 Para. inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 35

F517 Words in Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 6 omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 56.

SECTION 7 E FORM OF VOTING PAPER FOR ELECTIONS TO THE HOUSE OF CLERGY OR THE HOUSE OF LAITY OF THE DIOCESAN SYNOD

Diocesan Synod

Election of members of the House of Clergy/Laity

Deanery of

members to be elected.

Voting Paper

Candidates’ names, addresses [F518 and year of birth] . . . F519	Mark your vote in this column

Textual Amendments

F518 Words in Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 7 inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 59.

F519 Words repealed by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(8)

[F520 Guidance to Voters]

Textual Amendments

F520 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 29(4)

1. This voting paper must be signed [F520 and the full name written on the reverse].

2. You have as many votes as there are members to be elected.

3. You may not give more than one vote to any one candidate.

4. You vote by placing an “X” opposite the name(s) of the candidate(s) of your choice.

5. If you inadvertently spoil your voting paper you may return it to the Presiding Officer who will give you another paper.

6. This voting paper duly [F520 completed on the reverse thereof] must be delivered (by post or otherwise) to

so as to arrive by no later than

[F521 (To be printed on back of form)]

Textual Amendments

F521 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 18(5)

Signature of Voter

Full name

Address

[F522 SECTION 8] E FORM OF VOTING PAPER FOR ELECTION TO THE HOUSE OF CLERGY OR THE HOUSE OF LAITY OF THE DIOCESAN SYNOD

Textual Amendments

F522 Form inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 18(6), Sch.

Diocesan Synod

Election of members of the House of Clergy/Laity

Deanery of

members to be elected.

Voting Paper

Candidates’ names, addresses [F523 and year of birth] . . . F524	Mark your vote in this column

Textual Amendments

F523 Words in Sch. 3 Appendix I s. 8 inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 59.

F524 Words repealed by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 17(8)

[F525 Guidance to Voters]

Textual Amendments

F525 Words substituted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 29(5)

1. This voting paper must be signed and the full name written on the reverse.

2. Use your single transferable vote by entering “1” against your first preference, and if desired, “2” against your second preference, “3” against your third preference, and so on as far as you wish. The sequence of your preferences is crucial. NO CROSS should be used.

3. You should continue to express preferences for as long as you are able to place successive candidates in order. A later preference is considered only if an earlier preference either has a surplus above the quota (the minimum number required to guarantee election) or has been excluded because of insufficient support.

4. The numbering of your preferences must be consecutive and given to different candidates. Remember that your making a second or subsequent preference cannot affect the chances of any earlier preference.

5. If you inadvertently spoil your voting paper you may return it to the Presiding Officer who will give you another paper.

6. The voting paper duly completed on the reverse thereof must be delivered (by post or otherwise) to

so as to arrive by no later than

(to be printed on back of form)	Signature of Voter
	Full name
	Address

APPENDIX II E

general provisions relating to parochial church councils E

Officers of the council. E

1 (a) The minister of the parish shall be chairman of the parochial church council (hereinafter referred to as “the council”).

(b) A lay member of the council shall be elected as vice-chairman of the council.

(c) During the vacancy of the benefice [F526 or]when the chairman is incapacitated by absence or illness or any other cause [F527 or when the minister invites him to do so]the vice-chairman of the council shall act as chairman and have all the powers vested in the chairman.

(d) The council may appoint one of their number to act as secretary of the council. If no member is appointed so to act the council shall appoint some other fit person with such remuneration (if any) as they shall think fit. The secretary shall have charge of all documents relating to the current business of the council except that, unless he is the electoral roll officer; he shall not have charge of the roll. He shall be responsible for keeping the minutes, shall record all resolutions passed by the council and shall keep the secretary of the diocesan synod and deanery synod informed as to his name and address.

(e) The council may appoint one or more of their number to act as treasurer solely or jointly. Failing such appointment, the office of treasurer shall be discharged [F528 by some other fit person or] jointly by such of the churchwardens as are members of the council, or, if there is only one such churchwarden, by the churchwarden solely. No remuneration shall be paid to any person in respect of his appointment as treasurer.

(f) The council shall appoint an electoral roll officer, who may but need not be a member of the council and may be the secretary, and if he is not a member may pay to him such remuneration as it shall think fit. He shall have charge of the roll.

F529 (g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F530 (g) If an auditor to the Council is not appointed by the annual meeting or if an auditor appointed by the annual meeting is unable or unwilling to act, an auditor (who shall not be a member of the council) shall be appointed by the council. The remuneration (if any) of the auditor shall be paid by the council.]

[F531 (h) For the purposes of this paragraph, where a special cure of souls in respect of a parish has been assigned to a vicar in a team ministry, or where there has been no such assignment but a special responsibility for pastoral care in respect of the parish has been assigned to a member of the team under section 20(8A) of the Pastoral Measure 1983, that vicar or that member, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the minister unless incapacitated by absence or illness or any other cause, in which case the rector in the team ministry shall be deemed to be the minister.]

Textual Amendments

F526 Word substituted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 19.

F527 Words inserted by S.I. 1980/178, para. 19.

F528 Words in Sch. 3 Appendix II para. (1)(e) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 60.

F529 Sch. 3 Appendix II para. (1)(g) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 61.

F530 Sch. 3 Appendix II para. (1)(g) inserted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 61.

F531 Sch. 3 Appendix II para. (1)(h) inserted (1.5.1996) by 1995 No. 1, s. 11; Instrument dated 12.2.1996 made by Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Meetings of Council. E

2 The council shall hold not less than four meetings in each year. Meetings shall be convened by the chairman and if not more than four meetings are held they shall be at quarterly intervals so far as possible.

Power to call meetings. E

3 The chairman may at any time convene a meeting of the council. If he refuse or neglect to do so within seven days after a requisition for that purpose signed by not less than one-third of the members of the council has been presented to him those members may forthwith convene a meeting.

Notices relating to meetings. E

4 (a) Except as provided in paragraph 8 of this Appendix, at least ten clear days before any meeting of the council notice thereof specifying the time and place of the intended meeting and signed by or on behalf of the chairman of the council or the persons convening the meeting shall be posted at or near the principal door of every church, or building licensed for public worship in the parish.

(b) Not less than seven days before the meeting a notice thereof specifying the time and place of the meeting signed by or on behalf of the secretary shall be [F532 posted or delivered] to every member of the council. Such notice shall contain the agenda of the meeting including any motion or other business proposed by any member of the council of which notice has been received by the secretary.

[F533 The notice required by this sub-paragraph shall not be required for a council meeting immediately following the annual parochial church meeting being a council meeting which has been called solely for the purpose of appointing or electing any officers of the Council or the members of the standing committee thereof provided that the notice required by sub-paragraph (a) hereof has been given.]

[F534 (c) If for some good and sufficient reason the chairman, vice-chairman and secretary , or any two of them, consider that a convened meeting should be postponed, noitce shall be given to every member of the council specifying a reconvened time and place within fourteen days of the postponed meeting.]

Textual Amendments

F532 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 18(1)

F533 Paragraph inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 18(1)

F534 Para. 4(c) inserted by S.I. 1984/1039, para. 30(2)

Chairman at meetings. E

5 Subject to the provisions of [F535 rules [F536 22 and 23]] the chair at a meeting of the council shall be taken:—

(a) by the chairman of the council if he is present;

[F537 (b) subject to paragraphs (c) and (d) hereof, if the chairman of the council is not present, by the vice-chairman of the council if he is present;

(c) if the benefice is vacant and a minister acting as priest-in-charge of a parish in respect of which rights of presentation are suspended, by the priest-in-charge;]

[F538 [F539 (d)] In the case of a parish in the area of a benefice for which a team ministry is established, by the rector in that ministry if he is present and both the vicar in that ministry who would if he were present be entitled, by virtue of a provision in a pastoral scheme or the bishop’s licence, to preside and the vice-chairman of the council are not present].

Provided that at any such meeting the chairman [F540 presiding] shall, if he thinks it expedient to do so or the meeting so resolves, vacate the chair either generally or for the purposes of any business in which he has a personal interest or for any other particular business.

Should neither the chairman or vice-chairman [F541 , the vice chairman, nor, where sub-paragraphs (c) and (d) above apply, the priest-in-charge or rector] be available to take the chair for any meeting or for any particular item on the agenda during a meeting then a chairman shall be chosen by those members present from among their number and the person so chosen shall preside for that meeting or for that particular item.

Textual Amendments

F535 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 18(2)(i)

F536 Words in Sch. 3 Appendix II para. 5 amended (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 63, Sch.

F537 Appendix II para. 5(b)(c) substituted for (b) by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 18(2)(ii)

F538 Para. 5(c) inserted by S.I. 1981.959, para. 11(1)

F539 Appendix II para. 5(c) renumbered (d) by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 18(2)(iii)

F540 Words substituted by S.I. 1981/959, para. 11(2)(a)

F541 Words substituted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 18(2)(iv)

Quorum and agenda. E

6 No business shall be transacted at any meeting of the council unless at least one-third of the members are present thereat and no business which is not specified in the agenda shall be transacted at any meeting except by the consent of three-quarters of the members present at the meeting.

Order of business. E

7 The business of a meeting of the council shall be transacted in the order set forth in the agenda unless the council by resolution otherwise determine.

Short Notice for emergency meetings. E

8 In case of sudden emergency or other special circumstances requiring immediate action by the council a meeting may be convened by the chairman of the council at not less than three [F542 clear]days’ notice in writing to the members of the council but the quorum for the transaction of any business at such meetings shall be a majority of the then existing members of the council and no business shall be transacted at such meeting except as is specified in the notice convening the meeting.

Textual Amendments

F542 Word inserted by S.I. 1973/1865, para. 36

Place of meetings. E

9 The meeting of the council shall be held at such place as the council may direct or in the absence of such direction as the chairman may direct.

Vote of majority to decide. E

10 The business of the Council shall be decided by a majority of the members present and voting thereon.

Casting vote. E

11 In the case of an equal division of votes the chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote.

Minutes. E

12 (a) The names of the members present at any meeting of the council shall be recorded in the minutes.

(b) If one-fifth of the members present and voting on any resolution so require, the minutes shall record the names of the members voting for and against that resolution.

(c) Any member of the council shall be entitled to require that the minutes shall contain a record of the manner in which his vote was cast on any resolution.

F543 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F544 (d) Minutes of meetings of the council shall be available to all members of the Council.The members shall also have access to past minutes which the Chairman and Vice-Chairman jointly determine to be relevant to current Council business.

(e) The auditor of the Council’s accounts, the bishop and the archdeacon or a person authorised by one of them in writing shall have access to the approved minutes of council meetings without the authority of the Council.

(f) Other persons whose names are on the church electoral roll may have access to the approved minutes of Council meetings held after the annual parochial church meeting in 1995 except any minutes deemed by the Council to be confidential.

(g) Other persons may have access to the minutes of Council meetings only in accordance with a specific authorisation of the Council provided that, where minutes have been deposited in the diocesan record office pursuant to the Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978, the authorisation of the council may be dispensed with.]

Textual Amendments

F543 Sch. 3 Appendix II para 12(d) omitted (1.1.1995) by virtue of S.I. 1994/3118, para. 62.

F544 Sch. 3 Appendix II para. 12(d)-(g) inserted (1.1.1995) by S.I. 1994/3118, para. 62.

Adjournments. E

13 Any meeting of the council may adjourn its proceedings to such time and place as may be determined at such meeting.

Standing committee. E

14 (a) The council shall have a standing committee consisting of not less than five persons. The minister and such of the churchwardens as are members of the council shall be ex-officio members of the standing committee, and the council shall by resolution appoint at least two other members of the standing committee from among its own members and may remove any person so appointed. [F545 Unless removed from office, the appointed members shall hold office from the date of their appointment until the conclusion of the next annual meeting of the parish.]

(b) The standing committee shall have power to transact the business of the council between the meetings thereof subject to any directions given by the council.

Textual Amendments

F545 Words inserted by S.I. 1989/2094, para. 18(3)

Other committees. E

15 The council may appoint other committees for the purpose of the various branches of church work in the parish and may include therein persons who are not members of the council. The minister shall be a member of all committees ex-officio.

Validity of proceedings. E

16 No proceedings of the council shall be invalidated by any vacancy in the membership of the council or by any defect in the qualification or election of any member thereof.

Interpretation. E

17 Any question arising on the interpretation of this Appendix shall be referred to the bishop of the diocese and any decision given by him or by any person appointed by him on his behalf shall be final.

Section 4.

SCHEDULE 4 E Transitional Provisions

Extent Information

E7 For extent to the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man see s. 9(3)-(5)

Transfer of Functions from Convocations E

1 (1) The transfer of functions from the Convocations of Canterbury and York to the General Synod on the appointed day shall not affect the validity of anything done by the Convocations before the appointed day in the exercise of those functions; and any Canons, Acts of Convocation, regulations, directions, instruments or other things made, given or done by the said Convocations in the exercise of those functions shall, if in force immediately before that day, continue in force and have effect as if they had been made, given or done by the General Synod. E

(2) Any business of the said Convocations in the exercise of the functions aforesaid, being business which was pending immediately before the dissolution of the said Convocations preceding the appointed day, shall not abate by reason of the dissolution but may be resumed by the General Synod at the stage which the business had reached immediately before the dissolution.

Reconstitution of Church Assembly E

2 (1) The reconstitution of the Church Assembly as the General Synod shall not affect the validity of anything done by the Assembly before the appointed day; and any orders, regulations, rules, directions, instruments or other things made, given or done by the Church Assembly and in force immediately before the appointed day shall continue in force and have effect as if they had been made, given or done by the Church Assembly reconstituted as the General Synod. E

(2) The reconstitution of the Church Assembly as the General Synod shall not affect any Boards, Commissions, Committees or other bodies of the Church Assembly which would otherwise continue in being, or any officers of the Church Assembly (which expression includes all persons in receipt of salaries paid from the Church Assembly Fund); and they shall continue as the Boards, Commissions, Committees, bodies and officers of the General Synod, but without prejudice to the making of such changes as the General Synod may determine in accordance with its constitution and standing orders.

(3) Any business pending before the Church Assembly immediately before the appointed day may be continued by the Assembly reconstituted as the General Synod.

(4) The Archbishops of Canterbury and York may, before the appointed day, make or authorise the making of all such temporary appointments and arrangements and the doing of all such things as they may think necessary to j enable the functions of the General Synod to be discharged effectively as from the appointed day.

Changes affecting Diocesan and Ruridecanal Conferences E

3 (1) The dissolution of a diocesan conference and the transfer of functions from the conference to a diocesan synod shall not affect the validity of anything done by the conference before its dissolution or affect the continuance in being of any other diocesan body; and any scheme, direction, appointment, election, resolution, notice, instrument or other thing given, made or done by the diocesan conference which could have been given, made or done by the diocesan synod shall, if in force immediately before the conference was dissolved, continue in force and have effect as given, made or done by the diocesan synod. E

(2) The repeal of the Representation of the M27 Laity Measure 1956 and the Diocesan Conferences Regulation 1958 shall not take effect as respects any diocesan conference or ruridecanal conference until that conference is dissolved under this Measure.

(3) It shall not be necessary to hold any further elections of members of diocesan conferences and ruridecanal conferences and the term of office of the existing elected members thereof shall be extended until the conferences are dissolved under this Measure, and this provision shall be deemed to have had effect as from the 1st January 1969.

Marginal Citations

M27 1956 No. 2.

Commencement of Church Representation Rules E

4 (1) The repeal of the Rules for the Representation of the Laity by this Measure shall not affect any person’s membership of the House of Laity or of any other body, or the tenure of any office, or the contents of any church electoral roll, until such membership is terminated, or such office is vacated, or such roll is revised or replaced, under the Church Representation Rules. E

(2) The references in rule 12(1)(e) of the said Rules to lay members of any deanery synod, diocesan synod or the General Synod shall, until the said synods are respectively constituted, be construed as references to lay members of any ruridecanal conference, diocesan conference or the Church Assembly, and references in rule 19(2) and (3) and Rule 24(3) to the General Synod shall, until it is constituted, be construed as references to the Church Assembly.

(3) Any determination, resolution, appointment, ruling, consent or other thing made, given or done for the purposes of any provision of the Rules for the Representation of the Laity shall, if in effect immediately before the commencement of this Measure, continue to have effect, so far as applicable, for the purposes of any corresponding provision of the Church Representation Rules, and may be revoked or varied as if made under the last-mentioned Rules.

5 (1) The first elections of parochial representatives of the laity to deanery synods under the Church Representation Rules shall take place at the annual meetings of parishes in the year 1970, and the first choosing of members of deanery synods under any such resolution as is mentioned in Part III of the said Rules shall be completed not later than thirtieth April in that year, and the powers of diocesan synods under the said Part III shall, for the purposes of the first elections and choosing as aforesaid, be exercised by diocesan conferences. E

(2) The first elections by the members of deanery synods of members of diocesan synods under Part IV of the Church Representation Rules shall take place in the year 1970; and the diocesan synods shall forthwith after those elections be constituted in accordance with the said Part IV, and the powers of diocesan synods under that Part shall, for the purposes of those first elections, be exercised by diocesan conferences.

(3) The election of members of the House of Laity due to take place in the year 1970 under the Rules for the Representation of the Laity shall be held during the periods in that year fixed under rule 25(1) of those Rules, and rule 25(4) thereof shall apply to that election instead of rule 33(4) of the Church Representation Rules, but in other respects the election and matters connected therewith shall be held and carried out in accordance with the Church Representation Rules, subject to the modification that the powers exercisable by the General Synod shall be exercisable by the Church Assembly (as constituted at the passing of this Measure); and the House of Laity then elected and constituted shall, on the appointed day, be the House of Laity of the General Synod.

(4) Any certificate or information required by the Church Representation Rules to be given to or by the secretaries of deanery synods, diocesan synods or the General Synod shall, before the said synods are constituted, be given to or by the secretaries of ruridecanal conferences, diocesan conferences or the Church Assembly, as the case may be, and the certificate required to be given under rule 25(5) shall certify the number of beneficed or licensed clergy of the chapter of clergy of the ruridecanal conference, which shall be treated as if it were the house of clergy of the deanery synod; and any certificates received by the secretaries of the said conferences shall, where necessary, be given or sent to the secretaries of the said synods when they are constituted.

(5) The powers of diocesan synods under rule 23 and rule 28 of the said rules to make rules of procedure for deanery synods and diocesan synods respectively shall be exercisable by diocesan conferences before the constitution of diocesan synods, without prejudice to any rules so made being amended or replaced by diocesan synods when constituted.

Power to Remove Transitional Difficulties E

6 (1) If any difficulty arises on or in connection with any of the transitional matters for which this Schedule provides, it shall be referred to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York who may give any directions which they may consider expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulty, and such directions may extend the time for doing anything required by the Church Representation Rules for or in connection with the first elections or choosing of members of any bodies constituted under or in accordance with those Rules. E

(2) Rule 43(6) and (7) of the said Rules shall extend to the functions of the Archbishops under this paragraph.